Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red) by Eton
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red)
Digital camera Review: For when the batteries run out.
Summary: 5 Stars
This neat little unit is built upon the work of British inventor Trevor Bayliss, who came up with the idea of a hand cranked powered radio for use in Africa, and remote parts of the world, where batteries were almost impossible to get a hold of. In less difficult circumstances, the ability to use one’s radio after the batteries have died - for whatever reason - is a handy thing to be able to do. And at this price point, this Grundig unit’s performance shouldn’t disappoint.
Digital camera Review: Fun Radio, But Not For Your Emergency Kit
Summary: 2 Stars
The Grundig FR200 (available in a rainbow of colors) is touted as THE emergency radio, primarily due to it's hand-crank power system. Never need batteries, always ready to play when you most need it. Put it in your emergency kit, and you'll be informed and entertained no matter what happens. (You DO have an emergency kit, right?). Also has a built-in flashlight, so you can read the labels on those stored cans of chili.
The problem with the FR200 is twofold - one is the reception on all bands is just barely adequate. The primary problem is the dial resolution. Trying to figure out what frequency you are tuned to (especially on shortwave and AM mediumwave) is difficult. Sensitivity to weak stations and selectivity (separating closely-spaced stations) is mediocre.
Then there is that hand-cranked dyanmo. You crank it and it charges a little internal battery. Two or three minutes of cranking that teeny little handle gives you about 30-40 minutes of playtime. It does work as advertised, but the cranking handle doesn't have the strongest feel to it, and a little too-hardy cranking will break it off. And there you are, in the middle of World War III or a volcano eruption, with no way to crank. And no way to know what's going on.
To be sure, the FR-200 is fun to play with, and as it's very lightweight, could serve as a camping radio/flashlight. Again, so long as you don't overdo the cranking.
But for true emergency use, it's not the best option. Batteries are relatively cheap, and last for years in storage. (I'm still using batteries I stored for Y2K with no problem.) Go down to Costco or Sam's Club and get a brick of AA batteries. Put them in your kit and make a note to yourself to swap them out every five years or so. (You do have that emergency kit, don't you?)
Then get an AM/FM radio with TV sound and weather band. Forget about shortwave - in a disaster like an earthquake or hurricane, Radio Havana isn't going to help you - you want local stations and TV sound. The Sony ICF-36 fits the bill perfectly. Sangean also makes a good model, the DT-210V.
Although the hand-crank-never-needs batteries sounds good, a better-performing radio and some stored batteries will save your bacon better than a broken crank handle.
I did ask you if you had an emergency kit, right?
Digital camera Review: Good Overall
Summary: 4 Stars
Could be built a little sturdier, but a good overall product. A little tricky to learn to tune at first, but pleased with my purchase.Digital camera Review: Good but not great
Summary: 3 Stars
The reception is strong and clear on AM and FM, but virtually non-existent on shortwave. That's fine, because I didn't plan to use the shortwave feature anyway. Build quality is average.
The dynamo crank is cheap and I suspect it will break at some point. Following directions EXACTLY (90 seconds vigorous cranking, no flashlight, low volume), I was able to achieve between 20 - 30 minutes of use time. Nowhere near the 40 - 60 minutes specified.
I got mine on Ebay for $27.95. That's about what it's worth. It will go into my emergency kit and who knows, maybe someday I'll be glad I have it.
Digital camera Review: Good emergency radio and light
Summary: 4 Stars
With about a minute of cranking I got over 30 minutes of power (it may have lasted much longer but I turned it off after that). The built-in light is very bright. The radio reception seems ok and there are course and fine tuner adjustment knobs that make it easy to dial-in a station.
You can power it with the crank, with batteries, or there are models with AC.
My only quibble is that the product feels a bit flimsy. The knobs especially worry me. The crank seems better but is still plastic. Overall though a nice thing to have around the house or for camping.