American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar Powered Self Powered AM FM Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger Red
Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger – The Eton Microlink is a great portable radio to have around when things are just fine. It performs even better in emergencies. The Microlink is a portable radio and survival device that is ideal to have on hand when you’re roughing it. It also makes a great addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. No plugs or wires are required. Instead, turn the hand crank to power the Microlink, or capture the sun’s energy and run it on solar power. You’ll always know what’s going on, thanks to the AM, FM, and weather bands. You can also tune in to the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Add the flashlight, the cell phone charger and you’ve got one versatile little device. You’ll be prepared for any emergency, and there’s an added benefit – each radio includes American Red Cross disaster preparedness tips! It’s a perfect radio to take on family picnics, road trips, hikes, or just for fun. Built-in emergency cell-phone charger Earphone jack – 3.5 mm socket Unit Dimensions – 4.96? x 2.36? x 1.81?; 126 x 60 x 46 mm (W xH x D); Weight – 7.5 oz.; 200 g Accessories – owner’s manual, warranty card, preparedness guide, cell phone charging cord, card for cell phone tip
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars works great but questionable quality
I bought this primarily to pick up the weatherband, and for that it works great, in fact it blows away the walkman that I was using for the weatherband before. AM and FM are average, for local stations only, but for 30 bucks you cant expect a lot in this price range. The solar panel is very sensitive, it even will run the radio if placed under a incandescent lamp. Unfortunately, though, this particular one has a volume control that cuts out at the lower end of its range. If it gets worse down the line I’ll either send it back to Eton under the year warranty, or just plain junk the thing. To sum up, if you are considering buying one, check it out completely and be prepared to send it back if something dies or does not work right away. personally, this experience is one reason I dont usually like to buy stuff online – theres no store to bring it back to without paying shipping to return it and get another one. if it wasnt for the bad volume control I would give this 4 stars.
4 Stars Great little radio
Over all a good product. Only con is the limited battery. I wish I could add a AA or AAA battery to exented this.
1 Star Extremely Dissapointed
We purchased this emergency radio/flashlight a week before Hurricane Ike hit us in Houston. We tested it as soon as we got it and were able to receive 3 FM stations, 2 AM radio stations and the weather band. The flashlight worked well. We could not locate a cell phone charging cable for the unit, rendering that function null. When Ike hit Friday night, the weather band went to 100% static, and only one FM station was clear enough to understand. The flashlight still worked fine. By Saturday morning we could get no radio signals at all no matter how much we cranked. In contrast, our four battery-operated radios picked up several stations. But, we really didn’t want to use up the batteries – the very reason we purchased the hand crank in the first place. The flashlight switch stopped operating Saturday night, remaining stuck on low beam with no way to turn it off. This morning we were fortunate to find a commercial building with a generator, A/C and wi-fi – hence the ability to write this review. The only reason it gets one star is because the flashlight broke in the ON position. Otherwise, it was extremely disappointing. I certainly will never buy another Eton product.
4 Stars Works as Advertised
American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (Red)
This product works as advertised. After communicating with Eton regarding my wife’s cell phone, I was quickly sent the correct adapter tip for my wife’s cell phone allowing it to charge it by using the crank. There was a misunderstanding regarding the communication of Eton sending my cell phone adapter tip. As a result I am awaiting the adapter tip for my cell phone.
I did find a USB adapter from one of my digital cameras, that I own, that fit into the radio. Once plugged into the radio, I can plug it into a laptop or PC USB port and wait for it to charge.
I tested the solar charging by placing the unit on a window sill and watched as the charing indicator light up. The radio works and sounds fine for my intended use. NOAA weather alert stations can be reached as expected. Finally, the flashlight works as advertised as well. Simply crank and turn on the flashlight to illuminate the area you need lit.
5 Stars Weathered Hurricane Ike Well
I listened to AM and FM news stations on it during my 6-hour evacuation ride from Houston to Dallas. Tuning in stations was easy and the signal was clear and powerful throughout the trip. The bright flashlight is a nice addition and proved useful several times. I’m back home now and the radio is sitting safe and dry in a box with my other hurricane supplies.
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