Solar, Dynamo Crank Emergency Weather Radio Review

Solar, Dynamo Crank Emergency Weather Radio from the Sportsman's Guide. Lots of redundant features for power back up and will even charge your cell phone.
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[@VarRedo]

Tip: The ear phones uses less power compared to the built in speaker, using the ear phones saves battery power.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

unless you plug in high ohm headphones :D

[@mr.mrs.miljanic3534]

Okay

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Kind of. The difference is almost minuscule

[@357bullfrog2]

@@Mikey-ym6ok ever little bit helps in a emergency situation

[@johnwyatt27]

@Anders Kevin Sorry to hear you have trust issues! That poor girl if she even real at all pshhh

[@ebony5766]

I have had one of these for a year, very well made, all the functions work as advertised and infact, I have used the weather channel emergency function as recently as Thanksgiving week, while at my cabin in Ohio. We had a major ice storm in ON bringing down 6 trees across my driveway, and knocking out electricity county wide for 3 days. Very glad to have this. It charged my cell phone and Kindle. And In was able to get news in the Tri-State area. Well worth the money.

[@alanwilliams5836]

I purchased the older model of this radio, Kaito Voyager KA-500 probably 5 or 6 years ago. It is still our go-to power outage radio. That HQ model has a mini usb port, where the older model only has the standard usb2 port (wth the in-out switch above it). This is a good deal! The standard KA500 (Non-HQ) runs 50 bucks over at Amazon. Thanks Sootch... indeed these radios are nice.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for sharing Alan! Good to know these radios are holding up!

[@Charlielizard]

AM radios are usually line of sight during the day but at night they can bounce for hundreds and hundreds of miles off the ionosphere. This makes them pretty handy when SHTF.

[@tjellis1479]

Common mistake many people make is charging their phone and keeping it powered up(on) while connected to battery bank (aka jump) charger. That results in sub par charge % delivered to your phone and rapid discharge of "back up" battery pack. Most of us CANNOT simply let go of their phone-while charging (ideally) in the "OFF" state. Just my thoughts.

[@padi5star]

Beware of the rubber coating turning into a sticky mess. Mine did after 14 months. The solar charging is a joke and the advertised "recharge your iPhone" does not work. There are other cheaper and more solid emergency radios with fewer features, but all working.

[@Michael_Dolences.]

The only honest comment here. lol

[@donabele1243]

Padi 5Star: I have the actual Kaito Voyager (and one of the newer Pro KA600 digital versions). My regular Voyager is over five years old (the Pro is a year old) and we take them camping, canoeing, and boating every year - probably two months out of the year times five years. No issues what-so-ever! Yes, the solar panel is abysmal (I wouldn't even call it trickle), but it does do something when out on the canoes or boat. As for recharging a phone; again, abysmal would be the word I would use, even when using the dynamo. Would it get you a charge in a life-and-death situation - maybe. But I wouldn't rely on it (I carry a USB battery brick). What I would rely on it for is always being available to receive RADIO transmissions. The PRO KA600 is fancier and has some 'neat' features, but none are deal breakers for a price point double that of the original. The original version is just as nice (I won the Pro in a raffle) and it's what I always recommend. For either, I highly recommend both the AC adapter (for convenience) and the radio antenna (T-1) - it dramatically increases reception while camping in the woods...and it's flexible so no chance of snapping off the metal aerial while canoeing or boating! Be well, Don

[@saileong54]

I've used rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove the rubber coating of assorted devices one they become a sticky mess. Then it's a smooth plastic case...

[@KansasPrepper]

I agree with you I had the same issue, rubber coating sucks for sure, never again will I get anything rubber coated.

[@jeffking4176]

There is NO rubber coating on the Kaito. Kaito uses a Soft-Touch Plastic. Kaito has worked hard at their quality control over a number of years. They also have a warranty center/tech. Help here in the U.S. ( for Kaito and [most] Tecsun radios) They also sell direct to consumers. ( Kaito.us. Com.) Kaito specializes in Emergency Radios, and have radios from $15.oo -$100.oo The SPORTSMAN’s GUIDE has an excellent price. So it’s a good deal This Kaito KA-500 “ VOYAGER “ , sell for $50.oo- $60.oo normally.

[@jackbarnes5589]

I've had mine for 2 years now, I love it. A great radio that everyone should have.

[@jackbarnes5589]

Humanity isn't ready for such a perfect invention.

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks Jack, I appreciate hearing your experience! Yes, Coffee maker would be a ultimate! lol!

[@kygent508]

Do you have earbuds and ac adapter for it if yes where did you get them?

[@aidenwheezy7128]

My left ear is enjoying this video

[@lukmly013]

Settings-> Accessibility-> Audio & onscreen text-> Mono audio

[@MLCDelux]

I just ordered one, thanks for the coupon code, I got $20 off, what a great store.

[@dbfcrell8300]

I've got a GREAT idea for all these Emergency radios: one of the radio bands should be TV audio so while you're sitting there powerless, at least you can listen to your favorite TV shows. EZ to design into these radios and worth every penny while you're sitting there doing nothing IMHO.

[@richk3325]

That radio plus a couple usb rechargeable flashlights would be great emergency equipment. Great idea.

[@marchills4131]

Another great review! I'm a big fan of these solar/dynamo/battery powered emergency radios, as cable, internet and cell communications could go down in a severe emergency. Old school radio transmission is much more likely to be operating in emergency conditions. Thanks for confirming the HQ is a rebadged Kaito Voyager. I suspected that based on appearance and - as you say - the Voyager comes up again and again as one of the top picks for this type of receiver. This or similar models from companies like Eton should be part of everyone's emergency kit.

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

I’ve had this radio since 2012 and I love it

[@SensiblePrepper]

Great to hear! Thanks DB

[@michaelmorris1802]

I have two, for just over a year so far, and both are still working... well I have the Kaito Voyager models. Wish there were "higher quality" options, but to be honest, and I have looked... there doesn't seem to be much. If anyone of you know of a higher quality option... please do tell.

[@myrthmaker]

I have 4 of the smaller Eton radios. I keep 1 in my vehicle, another in my evacuation bag and 2 more in the house.

[@NDSMD]

Water, medical supplies, and comms those are my top three all equally important

[@CTROCK]

I got one! Really good for SHTF! I pay $35 on sale!

[@LIBERTYVIEWS]

I agree with Padi5Star's comments. The crank and solar power options on these kind of units is far from optimum, at best, and very frustrating if you're stuck with nothing else. The solar or crank likely will only allow you to make one or two SHORT calls at best, unless the rechargeable or AA's are at full charge. These SAY they're good to charge your phone with but good luck with that! Often the crank only works if REALLY cranked hard and fast for a sustained period of time. The tiny solar panels on units like these only work if there's several house of bright DIRECT sunlight, best at mid-day, with the panel pointed straight up or STRAIGHT AT THE SUN. So having it in a window [even if pointed at the sun], for instance, would produce more cuss words than solar power, I'm afraid. That said, the 4 separate power sources are a plus, along with all the other features.

[@emmadalrymple4102]

Might be my next prepping purchase. Lots of features!

[@yankey4]

Yes sir here in The Lowcountry we been wet for 40 days and nights :) Thanks for the info. Keep up the hard work and videos. God Bless

[@SensiblePrepper]

When it gets wet in the Low Country, that is wet! lol! All our water ends up dumping on you guys. Thanks Bobby!

[@phoslurperr]

The thing I hate about this and other radios is that they have puny batteries. You can buy a $10 power bank with 5 or 10kma while these things have like 600ma. I don't understand why a radio this size doesn't have at least 10kma.

[@jerold8908]

Just a couple of things Sootch, I think you have to crank it way more than a couple of minutes to fully charge the batteries, maybe like a half an hour or more and you will probably need an external antenna to pickup any short wave HF signals unless they are really close. This radio should have a plug in for an external antenna, or just attach a very long piece of wire clipped to the antenna. Keep up the good work.

[@electronicoscaldas2763]

Kaito has a SW anntenna P/N: T-1.

[@chronobot2001]

It's easy to make a regular radio solar for a fraction of the cost. You can buy small solar panels off of ebay pretty cheap and they are more powerful than the tiny panels on these radios.

[@hakaen2119]

I wish you would do more actually prepping related stuff and not only product reviews!

[@SensiblePrepper]

I still do a lot of Prepping videos but have a mix of both. I'll try to do more. Thanks

[@themule6811]

@@SensiblePrepper You are a good man, thank you for everything .

[@tylerryancoleman]

So glad you're looking at Sportsman's guide stuff. I've been buying stuff for them since my teens, probably too much stuff but wierd mil surplus is addicting. I've waffled on this radio for a bit so it's nice to see it in the wild.

[@texedwards3039]

gonna get me one ! thanks

[@marko11kram]

actually, AM does not need a line of site--- FM does. You know that Sootch!

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

I used my radio in a completely closed off room before. Still worked

[@juanvargas211]

Wow I just ordered this on Amazon yesterday.

[@kygent508]

Did you get a ac adapter for it,if yes what kind and where/Thanks

[@juanvargas211]

@@kygent508 no i didn't

[@Jesusandbible]

Not only USA need survival radios. I think your FM settings miss out the range of most European or even UK channels. What are the best Emergency Radios in the UK? As I want to hear Europe more than unreachable states in America. Any idea? Thanks!

[@mz.6109]

Thank you kindly for the video it definitely is a useful and important way to keep in the loop. Have a good new year

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamlesh109]

Ordered one. Thanks Don.

[@lorieharris2776]

Any advice if this radio, or perhaps a recommendation of another unit would work well for those in rual, flat of the valley thick in the tree areas that lack appropriate transmitters? We live in an area with all of the above, and it's been beyond frustrating.(spent more than I'd like already on radios already.) On a great, crisp, clear perfect day. Sure, we'll get every channel on the band. But that's not real useful when nothing but static comes through on any of our radios (especially the NOAAs .) When even a small rain comes through. We've had more than one near miss weather wise, that if we had been depending on the radios alone, would of gotten us hosed. Thanks

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome radio Sootch00 an another great review Sir. As always long live the republic my friend.

[@tymz-r-achangin]

Why dont they offer the accessories on their web site? I dont want having to now go around searching for the right ac adapters, power supplies, etc when they could of easily offered the ones right on their site

[@55sunturbine30]

Nice review! One question still...how is the correct weather channel for my location determined.

[@rickdaystar477]

Weather channels are regional. You may actually pick up more than one as they tend to overlap in coverage. My answer to you is try each of the 7 and you will hear the one designated for your area.

[@thanehanson6746]

This video was 5 years ago. Is your HQ radio still working

[@skinny01717]

That is one nice radio, gonna have to get one.

[@OhioBladeandCutlery]

Just bought one very similar to this for my storm emergency boxes.

[@Woolmouse]

Today what radio would you advise?

[@georgemcmillan9172]

I've had one for years, and I love it!!!

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks George! Good to hear.

[@georgemcmillan9172]

@@SensiblePrepper mine is actually the Voyager. Funny how I got it. My wife works in the financial industry as a registered sales assistant for a brokerage firm. About 10 years ago, one of their outside vendors brought a few of them in as "swag", and she grabbed one for us because we were camping quite alot back then. It's never failed me once!

[@toml.8210]

The only way, IMO, this radio fails, is because of the short telescoping antenna, so you'll need an extender antenna wire of about 30 feet, to get good reception for the weather band or Shortwave. Yes, the solar panel is not so great, since the radio itself is very inexpensive! You'll need to crank the dynamo for an hour or two to get a mostly-full charge in the battery pack, so I rely on AA alkaline cells or a USB power bank. Yes- turn it OFF when you crank, so you don't waste your effort. The weather alert is for a tornado, hurricane, earthquake warnings, etc. The most important thing, is to know which station to listen to! there is NO emergency station or channel! Can you recommend a book on emergency communications?

[@jon2xu]

If you use the crank for 2 minutes how long does your power last?

[@Fedaykin8]

I have a small one (about half the size) with about half of the features of that one that I carry in my EDC bag. I really like all the features and redundancy of that one though, going to check it out!

[@lararomont8348]

I just specifically bought this because it didn’t have one of those noise-SOS alarms that a child could set off In case of an emergency where one (esp. women and children) needs to be quiet and the earbud option for listening too I could find on its amazon competitors. Luckily they had some deals going on luckily they had some deals going on for things to purchase for things to purchase to get me to get my cart up to $100 and use your promo, but I am thinking there’s not enough stuff on this website to have me renew the $10 fee again.

[@lararomont8348]

Many of the other radio competitors are also “waterproof” or so they say but I was able to purchase a guide gear waterproof backpack on SG for $22!

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

NOAA Weather Alert also announces other state or national emergencies by the government.

[@michaelhernandez410]

I keep mine in a Faraday bag with batteries, a power bank and a flashlight. Something to think about.

[@prospero6337]

I have both a couple of the digital and that analog tuning....and the fact is they do both work well...I prefer the nondigital because because the you can tune the radio more sensively...I have noticed that the dial tuning can get more stations...and those vary according to weather/ionosphere/and even time of day. I have two spare one (DIgital one DIal Tune) I keep in a 5gallon feed can I bought to make a Faraday Cage...that I keep other electronics in as well. I have found that the power cord that it comes with will eventually break due to not very robust rubber coating...It seems to break wear it meets either end at the plugs. The Antenna you will want to be very careful of as it will break if it falls over too many times... but all in all I love the product...I have had others that cost as much and did not have the features performance or circuitry quality..... Over all I love the product, and would buy again if I need to ....but I have one out and two in the box :>

[@tfastlane]

I have a Grundig FR-200 that has about the same features.

[@QuTeBug]

Nice radio but if you can’t get Short Wave why have it?

[@petermanetta2920]

What are your thoughts on the digital version that has the long wave feature ? The HQ ISSUE™ Digital Multi-Band Solar Powered Weather Radio. Thanks. Great video !!

[@QRPadventures]

These are great radios!

[@gregoryhare6538]

I have to say at the age i am I've seen a lot of lights and radio's has to crank up but i have to say this is the first time that i have seen a radio that has all the necessary gadgets with it. And really excuse me but dam i need to get one for emergency youse. Or when i go fishing or camping.

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

I like your radio

[@kygent508]

Did you get a ac adapter for it if yes what kind and where did you get it also ear phones.

[@observationpostcharlie1365]

Great video brother i been trying to figure out witch radio is best wanted. Am fm and sw with a crank and solar

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Just bought the craftsman portable radio. This thing is very finicky. Kinda regret it but good to have Incase

[@sourmash5715]

cool,great idea to have.but it doesn't look very durable.try using it everyday for a week or two,see how it holds up.

[@karensphone]

i need a replacement battery pack for it. can anyone tell me what kind it is? thanks

[@toml.8210]

You're better off with extra batteries or power banks, since the dynamo is the last way to power these radios, unless you have a $200 pedal-powered dynamo or 100W solar panels.

[@kevinwells4591]

Thanks, either this or C Crane?

[@jessiemckinney1104]

Love the video thanks looking into getting me a weather radio.

[@mikeshymko3197]

your right again, I have it, I love it!

[@tylermcname]

He didn't post the link for the radio did he?

[@peterbaugh51]

Overall I still prefer Midland ER210. But thanks for the review.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I have the one in Yellow, works great

[@SensiblePrepper]

Great to hear! Thanks Eric!

[@jakerichards2931]

Soooo there’s nothing broadcasting on SW?

[@marko11kram]

YES-- Back in 'the day' SW mattered, Now maybe a 2 meter vhf or an 80 meter would be more relevant to SHTF

[@ejames6431]

Looks great! I have a similar one. The Eaton emergency radio.

[@kenhelmers2603]

LOL 'get your dill pickle on' Thanks Sootch!

[@marcosuozzi]

Thank you for your video! So my wife is angry again because of you ;) greetings from a swiss prepper!

[@SensiblePrepper]

Thanks my Friend! You can blame me! lol!

[@MrChazeman1]

Awesome review.

[@survivalistboards]

Good video, and keep up the excellent work.

[@RayBecker]

there is a similar product out there that also offers two way comms.

[@SensiblePrepper]

That would be cool. Thanks Ray

[@zoo2you]

Nice radio. Would be perfect if made in the USA.

[@donabele1243]

zoo: Please name a radio that IS made in the U.S. ? Just does not exist...

[@donabele1243]

​@Pavel Manzhetov WOW...that's a bit presumptuous of you, don't you think? "...you can't afford them." Also, there are no RECEIVERS which require any license. The ONLY license requirement in the U.S. is to TRANSMIT! Okay, so moving on from that...So Don does a review video on an excellent prepper radio that retails for $50-ish and you post a link to the biggest POS HAM receiver out there - which retails for $5000!!! Wow, that's a close comparison!!! And don't even get me started on TenTec the company; the owner is a royal d-bag - I doubt they are actually doing any business after he shot himself in the face with a stupid response posted to a very popular HAM forum a couple of years ago. At least that's when they lost all their credibility. And $5000 for a radio which is ASSEMBLED in the U.S. from parts manufactured overseas is NOT "made in the U.S." . So how about we go back to the original question...name a _RADIO_ MADE IN THE U.S. ?

[@donabele1243]

@Pavel Manzhetov Sorry Pavel, but you're going to have to show your source on this one...because as of a couple of years ago when the owner decided to make himself look like an ass on a popular forum, there were numerous reviews of the radio showing that it is constructed mainly of components sourced from overseas and then ASSEMBLED in the United States. As I said before - that's much different than "Made in the U.S.". Almost ALL electronic components in production WORLD-WIDE are made in China! Just Google it... Just so you know...any manufacturer can use the term "Made in the U.S." so long as SOME assembly is conducted in the United States. So my son adding batteries to his Nerf gun makes it technically "Made in the U.S." !!! The more reputable companies will at least resort to "Assembled in the U.S.".

[@zoo2you]

@@donabele1243 that's why it would be perfect if is was made in the USA. Never said there was one. So it's a nice radio. Not prefect.

[@VarRedo]

Interesting, I compared three different emergency crank radios about a month ago. Not this one though, seems good.

[@VarRedo]

I compared the features between three other crank radios. Number of Radio Bands, Bandwidth, radio reception, flashlight brightness, battery mAh, Watts, amps when you crank the handle and such. I made a video if you would like to see.

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

if it's like the so called solar battery bank the solar panels won't give enough charge to build up the battery, I've left my battery bank in a window for 6 months and it never built up at all. bought a second one with the same thing. too many companies add those solar panels that can light up an led in the sunlight and makes you think it's charging but it's not doing a thing for your battery. Now the crank will work but you'll wear your arm out to get just a couple mins of radio play or charge your cell phone, ( Not enough output from the crank.) Just not worth the money to me I have a battery operated weather radio that works fine.

[@DanielKezar]

very nice! going to have to pick one of these up. is there a link anywhere?

[@CTROCK]

Go to www.sportsmansguide.com they sell them!

[@kjaques1]

Radios are important. Heaven forbid the propaganda ceases for a few moments when the powers out lmao.

[@emalyncervantes530]

Available in philippines?

[@ordinarynonplayercharacter2142]

Anyone know any tricks to boost the signal? I have this same radio but all the signals are weak.

[@tfastlane]

Clip a wire to the end of the antenna, the longer the better. It wouldn't be overdoing it to tie a rock to the end of the wire and throw it up in a tree.

[@donabele1243]

For the actual Kaito Voyager they sell an external / flexible antenna (T-1) - works great for us in the woods while camping! Be well, Don

[@Enes-wj5xq]

Silica

[@FishHuntFreedom]

I love your vids but I wish you would post twice a week on specific days

[@MegaIsok]

This has some interesting amazon reviews mostly from 2017. There may be a bad batch out there.

[@SensiblePrepper]

I think the earlier model had weird adapters and other problems but this one seems solid. Thanks John!

[@famous0243]

Well how can I purchase this ? I clicked on the link to your dispatch insider and it says the connection is not private and I can't get in.

[@fs-rj2jq]

i live in north west australia and we have some intense sun out here, hardly ever see a cloud in the sky. ive left this radio in direct sunlight for days and i can promise you it doesnt work. it wont even run for 10 seconds. as for the crank you can go nuts cranking for minutes just to get about 20 to 30 seconds of listening time. pure garbage

[@linarn4671]

Ive had two of them and it sucked! hand crank works for about a minute or two of use, the solar is a joke, reception in my area with this radio is very poor. works o.k. with battery until they run down. Im looking for something better. Ive sat that solar full blasting sunlight many of days, it dosent work. like I said this goes for both radios.

[@rylancory]

A radio like this not water resistant? Kind of a deal breaker.

[@rylancory]

@Spencer 7445 More like $80. Buy it nice or buy it twice. If it won't last in the rain it won't hold up for long without babying it.

[@rylancory]

@Spencer 7445 Haha I get you, man. I way saying $80 because you'll have to buy 2 of them :D

[@ashrafkhan1298]

Can this radio be found in Pakistan

[@danielsoutdooradventures8267]

does not have DAB+

[@azaz2023azaz]

Yo coupon code expired 8/31 :-(

[@Chiavaccio]

😀😀

[@maureenarrivillaga6724]

Is this sold on Amazon? Can't find it

[@theirishman6728]

This particular one is on Sportsman's Guide website. Amazon does sell a number of similar ones from the same Dynamo Brand though.

[@maureenarrivillaga6724]

@@theirishman6728 thanks found it

[@electronicoscaldas2763]

Look out for Kaito KA500, but I prefer the Kaito KA500L, also I have a Kaito KA600L (Digital), Kaito T-1 SW antenna (Mandatory for this band), Kaito AN-100 AM passive antenna and correct AC adaptor for the version you want. I want to buy in the future the active AM antenna from C.Crane named Twin Coil Ferrite® AM Antenna Signal Booster, for longer distance and less noise AM reception

[@whatroads4x4]

im not a huge fan of anything with micro usb ports. they wear out so fast

[@FishTheJim]

Is that a Batman figure. Sootch is a Batman fan!?!?

[@SensiblePrepper]

Everyone loves Batman! lol!

[@marko11kram]

Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na------BATMAN!

[@ITILII]

"I want you to tell all your friends about me!" "Who are you??" "I'm BATMAN!!!"

[@losthiker9395]

The sun is around. LOL

[@brianbelchuk9612]

Not cheap in 🇨🇦

[@sidneywhite749]

Link to buy please.

[@SensiblePrepper]

KZbin won't allow a link because SG sells guns and ammo. It's easy to find on the site. Thanks

[@americanpatriot9193]

Sootch that is why I have quit dealing with you tube for the most part.

[@sidneyvandyke9607]

What review

[@HOMETHEATERBOY]

What’s the make and model number

[@SensiblePrepper]

It's the Model HQ500 on Sportsmans Guide but also the Kieto Voyager 500.

[@SBri-ms9bk]

I like to do that in Germany

[@SBri-ms9bk]

🤔

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

Those rubberized coatings SUCK! After 15 to 20 years they get liquidy and creates a really big unpleasant mess that spreads halfway across the universe.

[@ometofu]

No one on radio when shtf. Think about it

[@ometofu]

Spencer 7445 me too but again. think about it. no one will be on radio. all the repeater will be down too. get some good old powerful CB.

[@mississippisnowplow]

Shortwave

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

I hate duracell. they leak

[@str8shooter160]

Can u please find good US made products? Enough of the Chinese made junk