I am interested in purchasing a hand crank solar powered portable radio. The Eton Scorpion seems to get the best reviews. Has anyone had any experience with this radio?
The Scorpion is relatively new in Eton's line of products. I've owned three Etons. Two Microlink FR160s in our bugout bags, and one big honking one of their units in our main prep kit. If the Scorpion is anything like these three, it is worthy. I've had Microlink in my bug out bag for about 3 years, SOLID is about the best way to describe all their products that I have seen. Hot or Cold, they always seem to work. It is also the only line of so called hand crank generators that will actually charge my Iphone 5.
Preppersaurus
You've Got To Be Tough, If You're Going To Be Stupid.
I can't seem to find the Scorpion in any stores, only online. Amazon (US) has them for $50.00. I will order a couple. Thanks for the information.
I buy most of my Emergency Solar/Crank Electronics (Radio's and Transmitters) from Bob Crane. He makes Great Stuff.
DaScribbler
________________________
This would be a better deal. http://www.amazon.ca/Midland-22-Channel-Two-Way-Emergency-Silver/dp/B000P0O12I/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1386674990&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=hand+crank+radio Unless you're going Ham radio.
Bought this one on Ebay the other day.
the most important feature of it for me is the cellphone charger because If i can keep my phone charged i can likely still get gps and keep myself enetrtained. psychological well being is so important.
would love to get that eton scorpion thing but its pretty expensive. noticed most of the radios mentioned here are over 100$
have any of you guys had experience with 50$ radios likethe one i bought? did i waste my money? are the cheap ones crap that doesnt work?
I like my free play radio. Works great, and cheap too!
Check out Canadian Prepper Podcast on iTunes!
One is none, two is one.
I have a couple of these gizmos...
One is an ETON FR370...the Red Cross version.
Great as a weatheradio...has S.A.M.E. and easily programmable.
It also has a built in LED light...kinda weak, but if you have nothing else...
It can be charged by a tiny solar panel, which I haven't tried to do yet, crank power, or 5 volt adapter or USB.
The other is a radio/led light/charger combo...cost $15.00 at Crappy Tire.
Both have the same issue when trying to charge phones with the crank...it doesn't work that well.
You have to keep a good speed up for quite a while to get enough juice into your phone...
how fast and how long exactly?
couldn't tell you because it was so rediculous I gave up trying.
I just this afternoon got a WakaWakaPower to review for my podcast, as soon as I do some testing, I'll let you all know what I think.
With the WakaWaka though, you either solar charge, or have it precharged from a micro USB plug...no tiresome cranking!