EMERGENCY RADIOS ~
Multi-Purpose Communication Devices When
Disaster Strikes
©
2018 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Disasters
know no particular time or place ~ they just happen! At one time we considered
June 1st to November 31st as the time to be prepared
since it’s considered the official hurricane season. However, recent years seem
to indicate the need to be prepared for the unexpected at a moments notice.
Events such as storms, floods, terrorist acts, power failures, and camping
trips offer no known timetable. Our need and dependence on communications and
the power to keep them working is a vital concern. Here are some items worth
your consideration and possible addition to your emergency preparedness toolbox.
The Red Cross, in
cooperation with ETON Corporation,
is co-marketing a multi-function AM/FM and NOAA (government sponsored weather
channel) radio, the FRX3(+), that
can be powered by AC house current, or a built-in Lithium battery. Charging is
possible from three power sources, AC wall outlets, a built-in solar panel or a
provided hand crank. The radio includes such features as a clock, an AM/FM receiver,
all 7 NOAA/Environment Weather bands including Canada, and can be set to
automatically broadcast emergency weather alerts. It can also charge your
smartphone via USB and works as an emergency LED flashlight with flashing
signal beacon. Spinning the hand crank for 60 seconds will provide ten to
fifteen minutes of radio and flashlight use. Placing the unit in the sun gives
you a passive charging option. Plugging your smartphone into the built-in USB smartphone
charging port will provide a 30 second emergency phone call with only one
minute of cranking. Dimensions and weight: 5 3/4" H x 7" W x 2 2/3" D. (1 1/4 lbs.)
The ETON FRX5-BT(+)
offers many of the same features, but adds Bluetooth capability and a 2000mah
Lithium rechargeable battery. The Bluetooth feature permits you to link with
Bluetooth headsets or to use the FRX5-BT(+)
as an auxiliary speaker.
(TIP: Both ETON models have been
updated periodically, but the model numbers have not necessarily changed. The
updates have resulted in battery changes. Some models do not allow for
replacement batteries to be installed or substituted by the end user. So, be
aware that some spec sheets may show differences in this regard.)
A third EMERGENCY RADIO
alternative is the RunningSnail,
a/k/a iRonsnow IS-099 (88)+. This
device offers many of the same features as the ETON products, but in a more compact
design and at a significantly lower cost. The lower cost tradeoff results in a
reduced battery capacity, 1000mah. What’s the old saying? “You get what you pay for.” Dimensions: 5" x 2.4" x 1.6" .Weight: less
than 0.5 lbs.
These
multi-powered/multi-function radios will effectively provide you access to
news, weather and information in any emergency using alternative power sources.
It also charges your smartphone. My only dislike is that the ETON FRX5-BT (+) series has a very
difficult to read and access top button display.
MSRP: $20.00 - $129.99 Depending
on model desired. Available at retail, and on line.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
For more information go to:
https://etoncorp.com/collections/all
https://rdcrss.org/2uUP4fU
http://wsrtek.com/ironsnow/
Graphic credits: Manufacturer
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 and press releases 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.
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