© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
The short wave radio seems to have all but
disappeared after having served as a lifeline during the war years and beyond.
Its replacement is a little known box called a Wi-Fi Radio, a device that
connects to the Internet. Yes, Internet radio is available on your computer,
but convenience plays a role, too.
Over the past several months I’ve been
testing the CC WiFi Radio, CWF, by C.Crane. It’s a cute little box
that works much like any AM/FM clock radio. The difference is that this radio
has the ability to receive 18000+ worldwide stations with crystal clear
clarity. Selections include U. S. AM/FM stations, stations in Europe, and
numerous global broadcasts. Media from your computer may also be heard
providing you’re on the same network as your PC, in the PC’s shared music
folder, PC file sharing is turned on, and the stored audio on your PC is not
protected or limited. You can listen to such famous icons as the BBC and not
suffer from fades or annoying crackling. Canadians and Europeans would find
this radio a helpful way of staying in touch while wintering in the States or
elsewhere.
(TIP: It’s important to have at least
a 20 – 30% wi-fi signal strength for good reception. The stronger the signal,
the less frequently buffering may occur. Buffering is the computer’s way of
catching up and digesting the data it receives. When buffering takes place you
will temporally loose the audio, however, once buffering is complete you
generally continue where you left off.)
What makes the CWF radio so unique is its
size, ease of operation and programmability. A central knob serves as the
radio’s multi-function selector and volume control. Once you’ve locked in your
router’s Internet IP address, you’re set to go. Stations may be found by
location, genre or general search. When you dial in to a station you may listen
to it and/or save as a preset for permanent future selection. Three pre-set
buttons are located on the radio’s front panel. An additional ninety-six are
available on the included remote control. Files supported include: MP3, Windows
Media, Real, iTunes and Ogg Vorbis. A built-in clock also functions as an alarm
allowing you to wake up to your favorite station.
(TIP: During heavy Internet traffic
periods you may experience a loss of signal. The radio’s display will indicate
that it’s re-trying, but rejoining the broadcast may be time consuming, but it
will return.)
Receiva Internet Radio is a FREE service
usable with this radio that provides access to a diverse range of stations
worldwide. When you subscribe to their service, locating stations becomes a
snap and they are saved in your personal account and accessible on this radio.
Receiva is also available as an App for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. To
join: https://radios.reciva.com/
The CWF Web radio is a practical way to enjoy
distant stations. The built-in speaker provides hi-fi quality sound. An Ethernet
jack is also available for non-wi-fi areas or to achieve the best possible
reception. Headphone and lineout jacks allow for expanding your listening
capabilities. A 7.5 vdc jack allows the provided multi-voltage power adapter to
be used, but also making it possible to plug in a 7.5 vdc battery pack, not
offered as an accessory, but available by third parties and requiring a custom
interface cable. Having lived in the NYC area for many years, I found it
enjoyable to once again listen to WOR. Having immediate access to the BBC is
fantastic! If you’re into radio, this is a must have!
MSRP: $139.95
Available on line at various
retailers. For more information:
GADGETEER’S
RATING: * * * * *
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
