Emergency Crank Radios

Manual power generation keeps you informed without batteries

Weather-alert radios can warn you about dangerous weather, natural disasters and other emergencies ahead of time. But what about when you are in the middle of a disaster -- when the power is out and your batteries are dead? To fill that need, a number of manufacturers have introduced self-powered radios. Most use a simple hand-crank generator that can supply about a half-hour of power for 30 seconds of cranking.

Among emergency crank radios, we've seen the most positive feedback for models made by Eton, especially the Eton FR300 (*Est. $50). Unlike the weather radios detailed above, the FR300 lacks SAME capabilities, so it doesn't meet the Public Alert Standard, although it is certified by the NOAA as an All-Hazards Weather Radio. The feature-packed FR300 includes coverage of all weather band frequencies and has an alert function that will turn on the radio when an alert is received. It receives AM and FM signals and can be powered by four different sources, including a built-in rechargeable NiMH battery, three regular AA batteries or an optional power adapter. Most noteworthy, however, is the Eton FR300's highly effective built-in hand-crank generator. In tests by The Wall Street Journal's Walter S. Mossberg, the FR300 ran for 35 minutes after just 30 seconds of cranking. An outdoor enthusiast posts a lengthy video review of the Eton FR300 on SurvivalistBoards.com, demonstrating the many features of this unit in detail and outlining his experience with battery usage. He estimates that he ran the FR300 for about 24 hours (not consecutively) on one set of AA batteries and reports that the radio's sound quality is good.

In addition to coming in five exterior colors, the Eton FR300 includes a built-in light source, with two ultra-bright white LEDs and one red flashing LED. There's also a siren and a cell-phone charger. In his review, Mossberg calls the FR300 "sturdy-looking," and he likes its multifaceted functionality. James Powell, associate editor at Cabela's Outfitter Journal magazine, had the unfortunate opportunity to put the Eton FR300 emergency crank radio to a real test as he braved a blizzard that left him and his family stranded in their home for three days. He came away from the experience impressed. He says that the crank works well, delivering an hour of operation with 90 seconds of cranking. The radio kept him informed and entertained while the power was out, with good regular and weather band reception. Even the LED flashlight proved useful in his dark basement.

Users posting reviews at Cabelas.com agree overall with Powell's experience. The Eton FR300 garners a four (out of five) average rating based on nearly 60 consumer reviews. At Amazon.com, the FR300 amasses the same respectable rating after nearly 140 reviews. Not everyone is impressed, however. At his website, Richard Rhodes notes some issues with FM reception and disparages the FR300's construction quality. However, he does add that weather band reception is good. Users seem generally pleased, though we did read some complaints at Cabelas.com. Among the concerns of users were weak reception, drifting signals or a non-functional light. Some report that the radio required more cranking than they'd anticipated. Shoppers take note: the Eton FR300 is also sold under the American Red Cross and Grundig brands.

The Eton FR150 (*Est. $30) is also sold as an American Red Cross model. Although reviews are separate for these two identical weather radios, feedback on them is consistent -- both the Eton and American Red Cross versions earn an average rating of four stars out of five on Amazon.com, although the Eton version has fewer reviews. The FR150 runs on solar power, with a hand crank or optional power adapter. It receives AM/FM and NOAA weather band signals. In addition, it features a headphone jack and cell-phone charger. Most reviewers agree that the FR150 charges well in sunlight -- even on overcast days, although some owners complain about reception.

Few other hand-crank emergency radios get much in the way of feedback. Walter S. Mossberg compares the Eton FR300 to the Freeplay Eyemax Weather Band Radio (*Est. $70) and comes away more impressed with the FR300. The Eyemax suffers in that it has fewer features -- for instance, cell-phone charging is missing -- and it can't run on standard disposable batteries. The Eyemax does have a solar panel and can run on sunlight, which is handy for daytime use "if you're not up for repeated hand-cranking," says Mossberg. He finds the Eton emergency radio easier to use and likes that the weather channel selector has its own knob "because it allowed us to set one weather station and not have to change it after listening to the radio." No reviews were available on Amazon.com for the Eyemax weather radio at the time of our visit.

It's important to note that not all emergency crank radios receive weather channels, so be sure to check before you buy.