Monday, December 21, 2009

Eton FR500 Radio


I bought this radio today from Radio Shack. Thank goodness we didn't lose electricity this weekend after the large snowfall but many households did. I don't want to be without; receiving the local AM radio station. The forecast for Christmas Eve is ice.
When you are off the grid, you need a device that can fill multiple needs. The American Red Cross FR500 functions as an AM, FM, and shortwave radio with NOAA weatherband. It also has a flashlight, an emergency beacon, and an emergency siren. Plus, you can use it to charge your cell phone. Can be powered with the hand crank, or solely by the sun—solar panels make this a very “green” device. Battery power and AC power are also options.

AM (520-1700 KHz), FM (88-108 MHz), Shortwave (6000-12100 KHz)
NOAA weather – all 7 channels plus Alert
Siren and Flashlight
Can be powered from four different sources:
From the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that takes charge from the dynamo crank and from an AC adapter (not included)
From 3 AA batteries (not included)
From the AC adapter alone (not included)
From solar power
Analog frequency dial with digital display
Built-in cell phone charger
Digital clock function

4 comments:

Christy said...

We have a similar one. It is great in an emergency.

Anonymous said...

We have something along the same lines, but not quite so fancy. It does have the weather radio and hand crank power features though. Good post, and good point to make - especially in the Winter. Happy Week, Merry Yule, and best wishes for a lovely Christmas!

thecrazysheeplady said...

This is a great idea - thanks for sharing!

John Going Gently said...

don't you just love technology?
I think I am getting a solar powered digital radio for christmas......ideal!!11