American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red)
by Eton
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red)
Customer Review: Small, crankable and solar powered!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
First thing that should be mentioned is that this full-featured emergency radio is amazingly small. Reading its approximate dimensions of 5" wide x 2-3/8" high x 1-13/16" deep can be misleading, so imagine it placed on its side on top of a dollar bill: it's actually smaller than US paper currency, and that's just one of the things that make this small radio so appealing!
You can charge the FR150 in less than two minutes using its hand crank. You can also place it in sunlight (even on an overcast day, as I found out) and its built-in solar panel handily powers the radio and recharges its battery pack.
The radio's tuner pulls in both AM and FM stations, and with surprisingly clear reception. It receives all seven NOAA bands using a separate slide selector, so you can monitor changing weather conditions, along with tuning in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems.
It has a flashlight with three LEDs on the its side, providing surprisingly bright illumination, and for comparison it's about on the same level as my Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light. This is also brighter than some of the predecessors from Eton.
If you're looking for audio attributes on the level of Bose, JBL or Polk Audio speakers, this radio isn't for you... but the sound quality of this small radio is quite remarkable. Listened to a favorite "smooth jazz" station for awhile, switched to classical then to '80s rock, and was quite pleased all around.
A number of places list this radio as having the option of an optional AC adapter, but couldn't find anything definitive on this, so made email contact with Eton's Customer Support. Received a reply within hours, where they stated that at this time, they do not have AC adapters available for the FR150 Microlink or the FR500 Solarlink, but are expecting these items to be available in about 60 days. The support rep suggested:
1. Charge by using the USB port on the computer (this requires a cable that converts USB to mini-USB, available at your local electronics retailer). I did this with the same USB cable used for my digital camera.
2. Solar power: leave the FR150 Microlink in direct sunlight for about 6 hours.
3. Use the Dynamo Hand Crank of the side of your radio (crank time: 2 minutes = radio play time: 20-30 minutes).
Should also note that there is a registration card with the instructions inside the box, and you can mail the card in for a free cell phone adapter tip. I found it faster to do the same thing online with Eton.
This is one of those products that is reasonable enough to want to have more than one for household and family emergencies. And speaking of emergencies, there's a simple but straightforward American Red Cross disaster preparedness tips booklet that's well worth the read.
Must admit to liking Eton's emergency radio products. Part of this is due to happy prior ownership of a Eton FR400 Hand Crank Radio and Power Generator, which has proven itself. Should also say that this little radio, which is smaller and more practical than I originally thought, has quickly become a favorite. It's about 60% of the size of its predecessor, and small enough to fit in a jacket pocket for those outdoor excursions. It's also available in white if you prefer:
American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (White)
This one's a 5-star choice, without a doubt.
UPDATE: Already received the free cell phone adapter tip from Eton, just days after registering the ARC FR150 Microlink. Plugged the tip into the cord that came with the phone, then plugged the phone in and started cranking... and the phone indicated that it's being charged as I crank!
Customer Review: Well designed radio
Summary: 5 Stars
I like to listen to the radio in the shower, and outside. I bought this thing as a radio that can float between the bathroom, and that I can carry outside and listen to. I liked the idea that it has a solar panel, and can be charged by cranking, as I hate needing to change the batteries when my radio goes dead and I'm all soapy. This radio is probably not very waterproof, but it will hold up to getting splashed pretty well.
The radio has great reception. I can even pick up the local college radio station that is fairly underpowered. The built-in telescoping antenna works properly, and folds flat into the unit. This is loud enough to be heard over the water flowing in the shower. This is not at all a hifi, and sounds kinda like the early transistor radios. Great for news, not really all that good for heavy metal or hip-hop.
The solar panel is weak, but convenient for leaving on the window sill in the bathroom, which somewhat charges the unit during the day. There is an LED to indicate that it is charging. The crank works fine, and you don't have to crank the crap out of the thing to get it to play for a while, though it does help.
The plastic shell and rubber fittings are well designed. Compared to other plastic shells of other products, this is a joy to use, and I have not been disappointed in its use. The crank handle snugly fits into its closed position via friction. There is a rubber gasket over the power and earbud connectors which also fits snugly. There is also a black rubber fitting around the flashlight portion. The unit is flat enough on every sides to stand on its own, which I've found useful for orienting both the speaker and the solar panel at the same time.
For $30, this thing is very much worth every penny.
Customer Review: Great for emergencies!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
It's always a good thing to have emergency use devices for those "you never know" when it's going to happen days. In this case, it can be weather related, or a simple power outage affecting your city, town, or even isolated to just your street. The FR-150 unit has the ability to operate a typical AM/FM plus NOAA radio. The NOAA radio is what really makes this unit shine as you can find 24 hour weather information on these channels and in emergencies, NOAA is used to announce public safety information. The hand crank power or solar panel recharger works great, as in a tight spot you may find dead batteries in a regular radio, or simply run out of battery juice after extended use. No such issue here! It's this "always available" functionality that I love. The built-in flashlight is a little on the weak side, but that's typical for LED types. Headphone jack makes this unit even better -- you can plug it into headphones or a line-in jack of a computer or external speaker. Built in speaker, however, is plenty loud and clear enough -- rather surprising for its size! Unit is built solid enough such that it can take the bruising of operating outdoors, but also strong enough to just be tossed into the closet when you don't need it. At an affordable price, I cannot say how much of an investment in your safety can be made by having one of these.
Customer Review: Red Cross Light Weight Well Equipped Emegency Radio a "Must Carry!" It can save lives & despair.
Summary: 5 Stars
After nearly forty-five years in security & emergency services as both vocation & avocation & having lived in the Midwest ("Tornado Ally") for seven years & listening to NOAA Weather Radio Alerts on less than perfect portable radios---I purchased two [American Red Cross FR 150 Emergency Radios] from Amazon, sight unseen. Amazingly they work REALLY well! One was a present to my grandson who has traveled all over the country (soon around the world) into some very rough & tricky weather conditions, including tornadoes, hurricane-force winds & rain, floods, earthquakes & other natural disasters as a professional Supercross Motorcycle Team Mechanic. It seems to be the ideal gift to save him from some dangerous situations & give him a heads-up to steer his team mates around the danger zones, on very short notice! So far, so good.
This is the first time I have seen ANY combination of all the ingredients / elements necessary to handle a disaster in one tiny, weatherproof, lightweight unit such as the FR 150; along with AM & FM Broadcast Band, solar & wind-up power generating capabilities & a powerful flashlight, with an easy rubberized grip! Very impressive & surprisingly inexpensive! I carry mine on every trip & keep it handy by the bed at night. Thanks Amazon. Curtis Patrick, Henderson, NV 89052
Customer Review: Amazing small size, great for all-time carrying
Summary: 5 Stars
I *highly* recommend this radio for anyone who does not currently have a hand crank radio in their home or car. It has worked extremely well for me, and it doesn't require batteries! It will ALWAYS work.
It has a solar powered top, so if it's daylight you can charge it without even touching it. It also has the hand crank, so if it is pitch black you can still turn it for a minute or two and get live radio to find out what is going on.
It is so compact! I keep this in my glove compartment of my car. If I'm home and there's a problem, I can just run out to my car and get it. If I'm driving and there's a problem, I have it right with me.
It has a nice built in flashlight, so it provides light AND information all at once. It gets not only AM and FM but also 7 weather bands. I didn't have any problem tuning in a huge variety of radio stations.
This thing is SMALL. It's about the size of most MP3 players! Perfect for bringing along with you on a hike, on a walk, you name it. It can always be with you and you know it will always work. Like I said, just having it in the glove compartment means you're always prepared with a functional flashlight and radio.
Highly, highly recommended. Every home should have a hand crank light / radio in it, just in case.