Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Stay prepared and informed with the FR 200 from Grundig. If the power goes out and batteries aren't available, the FR 200 can function for up to an hour with only one minute of hand cranking. Its built-in generator means that even in the most desperate situations, you'll still have access to local news and information--as well as to news from around the world. The unit's four-band tuning receives AM, FM, SW1 (shortwave 1), and SW2 stations, and an included rechargeable battery pack provides reliable, renewable, internal power for everyday use.

The radio houses a 2.5-inch speaker. A .125-inch stereo headphone jack affords private listening, a built-in touch light comes in handy during lights-out emergencies, and you can dial in hard-to-tune stations with the unit's dedicated fine-tuning knob. A 4.5V DC jack allows an external power connection (power adapter not included).

A 360-degree telescope antenna provides the best radio signal for FM and SW, while a built-in AM antenna provides high sensitivity for AM reception. The FR 200 can run on three LR6 or AA batteries.

Product Description:
Stay safe and informed while on the road with the Emergency AM/FM/Shortwave Radio and Light. This self-powered unit operates without batteries-making it ideal for emergency situations when you're away from home. Features a hand-crank power generator; built-in flashlight; rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack; rugged, splash-proof ABS cabinet; AC adapter; and earphone inputs. 5.8H6.8Wx2.25D".

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio

Average customer rating: So cool. Wow!!!!!! Excellent Emergancy Radio Red Cross Radio A bit disappointed.

American Red Cross FR400 Emergency Radio Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics/Gadgets | Products | Outdoors/Travel | Products | Sale | Products | Him | Products | Him | Gifts | Products | Free Shipping | Products | Similar Items: iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival American Red Cross FR350 Emergency Radio Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light (Titanium Silver/Black) Dynamo Illuminator Wind-up LED Flashlight Accessories: Meade 8 x 30mm CaptureView, Waterproof 2.0 Megapixel Binocular / Digital Camera, 16mb of SD-RAM & SD Memory Card Slot, USB Interface - CVB1009 Ready Kit Plus Discovery Channel FX5000 Wireless Weather Station Jeep Emergency Floodlight Jeep Rugged TV- Flashlight Lantern- Stereo AM/FM Weatherband Radio Product Features: Emergency radio with water resistant housing Endorsed by the American Red Cross Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM, seven NOAA weather alert channels, and TV channels 2-13 Features emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode; cell phone charger ASIN: B000EIBVKG

Amazon.com Product Description

FR250 FR300 FR350 FR400 Hand crank Cell phone charger Emergency lights Siren AC adapter included Water resistant Tuning AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather Size (inches, WxDxH) 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. Power Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR200, an entry-level shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light; the Grundig FRFR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR 300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; and the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR400, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio (the FR400 comes with several cell phone adapters), you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR400 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR400 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.

According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR400 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR400 can also be powered via the included AC adapter, or from three AA batteries, which are not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At 1.5 pounds, and with dimensions of 4.5 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches (HxWxD), the FR400 is made to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case, ready to be stored in emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the side of the radio, just above the tuning knob, allowing you to use the FR400 like a flashlight. A red flashing emergency light is also included. This placement is an improvement over the designs of the FR200, FR250 and FR350, all of which place the emergency light on the radio's face. But similar to those radios, the light on the FR400 is only designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, and is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The large band selection knob and other controls make the FR400 a breeze to use. View larger.

The rear connections are protected by rubber seals. View larger.

On the left, the hand crank, on the right, a flashlight, and tuning and volume knobs.

The mechanical controls of the FR40 are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is fairly easy to finesse, and the tuning knob, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, offers much greater control. A sealed 3.5 mm earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap., and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality and excellent volume for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is self-illuminated, though in a darkened environment it is still somewhat difficult to pick out the bands.

Tuning and Bands
The FR400 offers AM/FM reception as well as 7 NOAA weather channels and a weather alert, and TV-VHF audio reception for channels 2 - 13. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Because weather broadcasts are based on VHF, line-of-sight channels, and because we are slightly out of range of the nearest weather transmitter in our region, we were not able to test the radio's weather reception. Television reception, happily, was quite another story. Though some stations took some finessing of the tuner before we were able to hone in on a strong signal, most of the reception was loud and clear.

While the FR400 shares the same features and performance of the FR300, its sturdy, weather-resistant casing and design modifications give it a distinct edge in emergency situations that's well worth the extra cost.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger

• Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

So cool........2007-05-21

Wow!!!!!!.......2007-05-16

Excellent Emergancy Radio.......2007-05-05

Red Cross Radio.......2007-04-05

A bit disappointed........2007-03-04

Average customer rating: Don't expect much Tippy radio spills its batteries Grundig FR200 Radio Good Basic Radio OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red) Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Shortwave | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Spring Markdown | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio | Electronics | Categories | Target Home/Office | Products | Outdoors/Travel | Products | Him | Products | Him | Gifts | Products | Hot Picks | Products | Similar Items: Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Pearl) iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light (Titanium Silver/Black) Accessories: Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Discovery 10-30 x 25 Compact Zoom Binocular Buffalo Tools 2,000-Watt Portable Generator #GEN154 Ready Kit Plus Discovery Channel FX5000 Wireless Weather Station Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 2 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B0002AHRVI

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 4-band tuning -- AM, FM and two shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect much.......2007-06-22

Tippy radio spills its batteries.......2007-05-22

Grundig FR200 Radio.......2007-04-02

Good Basic Radio.......2007-03-10

OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio.......2007-03-05

Average customer rating: Don't expect much Tippy radio spills its batteries Grundig FR200 Radio Good Basic Radio OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Blue) Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio | Electronics | Categories | Target Similar Items: Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Pearl) iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light (Titanium Silver/Black) Accessories: Rayovac NM715-8 Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries, 8-Count Package Buffalo Tools 2,000-Watt Portable Generator #GEN154 3-Year Extended Service Plan - Covers Electronic Items $0-$200 - Replacement Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 12 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B0002AHRWW

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 14-band tuning -- AM, FM and 12 shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect much.......2007-06-22

Tippy radio spills its batteries.......2007-05-22

Grundig FR200 Radio.......2007-04-02

Good Basic Radio.......2007-03-10

OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio.......2007-03-05

Average customer rating: fragile antenna; broke first day exactly as expected Many features, solid performance So much detail in the listing but no attention to detail in the manufature of this radio Very cheaply made. Try before buying.

American Red Cross FR350 Emergency Radio Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | AM-FM | Clock Radios | HD Radios | Headset Radios | Replica & Nostalgia Radios | Shortwave | Shower Radios | Under-Cabinet Radios Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Travel Electronics | Office,Travel & Auto | Products | Weather & Emergency | Office,Travel & Auto | Products | Tools & Flashlights | Office,Travel & Auto | Products | Pool & Beach | Toys & Recreation | Products | Similar Items: American Red Cross FR400 Emergency Radio iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed World Radio TV Handbook 2007: The Directory of Global Broadcasting (WRTH) American Red Cross FR300 Emergency Radio Dynamo Illuminator Wind-up LED Flashlight Accessories: Sony NH-AACE AA Rechargeable Batteries In Slide Case Sharper Image AA Alkaline Batteries (SM660AA) Product Features: American Red Cross-endorsed, water-resistant emergency radio with 4 distinct power sources Picks up AM, FM, and 7 shortwave bands; built-in LED flashlight and cell phone charger Receives power from hand crank generator, NiMH battery, AC adapter, or 3 AA batteries 90 seconds of hand cranking produces 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted radio power Sealed 3.5 mm headphone jack; measures 8.75 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty ASIN: B000EIDLWC Release Date: 2006-05-05

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

FR250 FR300 FR350 FR400 Hand crank Cell phone charger Emergency lights Siren AC adapter included Water resistant Tuning AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather Size (inches, WxDxH) 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. Power Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR200, an entry-level shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light; the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR 300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR350, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio (the FR350 comes with several cell phone adapters), you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR350 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR350 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.

According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR350 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception at the one hour mark, though there was not enough power to turn the light on. At the 75-minute mark, the radio finally lost complete power and had to be regenerated. The FR350 can also be powered via the included AC adapter, or from three AA batteries, which are not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At 1.5 pounds, and with dimensions of 4.5 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches (HxWxD), the FR350 is made to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case, ready to be stored in emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the side of the radio, just above the tuning knob, allowing you to use the FR350 like a flashlight. A red flashing emergency light is also included. This placement is an improvement over the designs of the FR200, FR250 and FR350, all of which place the emergency light on the radio's face. But similar to those radios, the light on the FR350 is only designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, and is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The large band selection knob and other controls make the FR350 a breeze to use. View larger.

The rear connections are protected by rubber seals. View larger.

On the left, the hand crank, on the right, a flashlight, and tuning and volume knobs.

The mechanical controls of the FR350 are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is fairly easy to finesse, and the tuning knob, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, offers much greater control. A sealed 3.5 mm earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality and excellent volume for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is self-illuminated, though in a darkened environment it is still somewhat difficult to pick out the bands.

Tuning and Bands
The FR350 offers nine-band tuning -- AM, FM and 7 shortwave bands. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW3 and SW4. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

While the FR350 shares the same features and performance of the FR250, its sturdy, weather-resistant casing and design modifications give it a distinct edge in emergency situations that's well worth the extra cost.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; sturdy, weather-resistant casing
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger

• Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent

Customer Reviews:

fragile antenna; broke first day.......2007-03-30

exactly as expected.......2007-01-05

Many features, solid performance.......2007-01-04

So much detail in the listing but no attention to detail in the manufature of this radio.......2006-12-08

Very cheaply made. Try before buying........2006-09-08

Average customer rating: Don't expect much Tippy radio spills its batteries Grundig FR200 Radio Good Basic Radio OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Shortwave | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Shortwave & All-Hazard Radios | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Radios | Radios & Communication | Emergency Preparedness | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Home Improvement | Home & Garden Audio | Electronics | Categories | Target Similar Items: Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red) Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Streamlight 4-AA 7-LED Flashlight, Yellow #68202 Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Pearl) Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival Accessories: Memorex High Performance AA Alkaline Batteries, 50 Pack Memorex High Performance AA Alkaline Batteries, 12 Pack Hedges LBT 90301 TRUCK Creeper Seat Memorex High Performance AA Alkaline Battery 8 Pack Sony MDRG72LP Behind-the-neck Compact Foldin Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 12 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B000083CUA

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 14-band tuning -- AM, FM and 12 shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect much.......2007-06-22

Tippy radio spills its batteries.......2007-05-22

Grundig FR200 Radio.......2007-04-02

Good Basic Radio.......2007-03-10

OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio.......2007-03-05

Average customer rating: Quality & Function & Trust

Grundig FR200 Emergency AM / FM / Shortwave Crank Radio and Light (Blue) Manufacturer: Grundig ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Shortwave | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Grundig | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics Product Features: 4-band tuning (receives AM, FM, SW1, and SW2 stations) Built-in power generator lets you "crank up" the radio and listen under emergency conditions Built-in light makes candles obsolete Rechargeable battery pack provides reliable, renewable, internal power for everyday use Includes stereo headphone jack, FM/AM antennas; uses 3 AA batteries ASIN: B00065HM14

Amazon.com Product Description

Design and Controls
Weighing in at just over a pound, and measuring just six and a half inches across, the FR200 is light and compact enough to take anywhere. Simple, easy-to-grasp rotating knobs on the front and sides of the device control tuning, volume, and band selection. The tuning knob incorporates a concentric fine-tuning control knob mated to the main tuning control knob. Meanwhile, an analog tuning selector is clearly marked with key frequencies, making it easy to quickly tune the stations that matter most. Two switches on the front of the device control the flashlight and power supply selection.

A 2.5-inch speaker produces rich, pleasing audio when you're just enjoying the FR200 on the back deck or a camping trip. All of the radio's antennae are built in; there's a telescopic antenna for FM and shortwave, and an internal ferrite bar antenna for AM.

Tuning and Bands
Thanks to the FR200's reception of AM, FM, and 12 shortwave bands (including weather radio), emergency information is always close at hand when you need it -- making this radio a must-have for anyone who wants to be as ready as possible for unforeseen events.

Connections and Power
Because the FR200 is built for those times when normal power options are not available, it provides a number of options for providing the juice it needs. An AC adapter (not included) charges the built-in Ni-MH battery pack, but again, if the power is cut it can be recharged using the attached hand crank. Power can also be supplied by three "AA" batteries, and if there is no battery at all in the device -- including the rechargeable battery -- the radio will operate with continuous operation of the hand crank.

What's in the Box
FR200 radio, carrying case, and owner's manual.

Customer Reviews:

Quality & Function & Trust.......2005-12-31

Average customer rating: Don't expect much Tippy radio spills its batteries Grundig FR200 Radio Good Basic Radio OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Yellow) Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Shortwave | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Shortwave & All-Hazard Radios | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Radios | Radios & Communication | Emergency Preparedness | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Home Improvement | Home & Garden Similar Items: Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Pearl) iTouchless DLX Forever Last Flashlight, No Battery Needed Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light (Titanium Silver/Black) Accessories: Rayovac NM715-8 Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries, 8-Count Package Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 12 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B00065HM1Y

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 14-band tuning -- AM, FM and 12 shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Don't expect much.......2007-06-22

Tippy radio spills its batteries.......2007-05-22

Grundig FR200 Radio.......2007-04-02

Good Basic Radio.......2007-03-10

OK for Emergency Radio/Terrible Shortwave Radio.......2007-03-05

Average customer rating: Grundig FR200 AM/FM Shortwave

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Pearl) Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics CD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | CD Players | CD Recorders | DJ CD Players | Portable CD Players AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Similar Items: Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red) Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Garrity Power Lite 3 LED Crank Light (Titanium Silver/Black) Passport to World Band Radio, New 2007 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio) Accessories: Rayovac NM715-8 Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries, 8-Count Package Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 12 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B0002AHRWM

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 14-band tuning -- AM, FM and 12 shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Customer Reviews:

Grundig FR200 AM/FM Shortwave .......2005-09-02

Average customer rating: Hand crank battery power failed

American Red Cross FR250 Emergency Radio Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | AM-FM | Clock Radios | HD Radios | Headset Radios | Replica & Nostalgia Radios | Shortwave | Shower Radios | Under-Cabinet Radios Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Portable Audio | Exercise | Products | Similar Items: American Red Cross FR300 Emergency Radio American Red Cross FR350 Emergency Radio American Red Cross FR400 Emergency Radio Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red) Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio Metallic Silver Accessories: Uniden PRO510XL CB Radio XACT XTR-1 Palm Size Sirius Satellite Radio Uniden PC78XL 40 Channel CB Radio with Front Mic Midland 18-259W Through Window Mount Weather Band Antenna Midland WR-100B SAME Weather and All Hazards Alert Monitor with Alarm Clock Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Endorsed by the American Red Cross Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob; hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 7 shortwave bands, including weather radio Features emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode; cell phone charger ASIN: B000EIB03Y Release Date: 2006-04-11

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

FR250 FR300 FR350 FR400 Hand crank Cell phone charger Emergency lights Siren AC adapter included Water resistant Tuning AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather AM/FM, SW AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather Size (inches, WxDxH) 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 6.5 x 2.5 x 6 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. Power Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR200, an entry-level shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR250, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio (the FR250 comes with several cell phone adapters), you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR250 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR250 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.

According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR250 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. In fact, the FR250 was still going strong 75 minutes after we recharged the battery pack. The FR250 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 6.00 x 2.5 inches (WxHxD), the FR250 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The light is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but it is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The FR250 also includes a red flashing LED light that can be used as a distress signal. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The large tuning knob and other controls make the FR250 a breeze to use. View larger.

The hand crank generator tucks neatly into the rear panel. View larger.

An emergency light is located next to the tuning dial. View larger.

The FR250 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality and excellent volume for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is self-illuminated, though in a darkened environment it is still difficult to pick out the bands.

Tuning and Bands
The FR250 offers nine-band tuning -- AM, FM and 7 shortwave bands. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW3 and SW4. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR250 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding and potentially life-saving features, including shortwave reception. Its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. However, its emergency siren and lighting, and particularly its self charging functionality, are. So if you're in the market for an economical emergency radio, the Grundig FR250 more than fits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger

• Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Customer Reviews:

Hand crank battery power failed.......2007-04-16

Average customer rating:

Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Sand) Manufacturer: Eton ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Shortwave | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics AM-FM | Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics Radios | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics Grundig | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Product Features: Emergency radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage Hand crank can be used to recharge the built-in battery Tunes AM/FM and 12 shortwave bands, including weather radio Tuning knob features a superimposed fine tuning control knob Features a white LED emergency light ASIN: B00065HM0U

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 14-band tuning -- AM, FM and 12 shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

Electronics:

1. Macally Retractable Earphones
2. Macally PodPro Noise Reducing Headphones for iPod
3. TEAC SL-D90T Nostalgia Clock Radio with CD
4. TEAC SL-D90W Nostalgia Clock Radio with CD
5. Coby CX2 Mini AM/FM Stereo Pocket Radio with Neck and Arm/Hand Straps - Silver
6. GPX D830 Under-Cabinet Compact Disc Player
7. GPX D840 Undercabinet CD/AM/FM Stereo PLL Digital Tune Clock Radio
8. GE 74901 AM/FM Stereo Clock Radio with CD player
9. Panasonic RF-SW50 Shockwave Portable Radio (Blue)
10. Philips FWC579 5-CD Shelf System

Electronics

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