I have two Solar/Crank Radio's, sadly neither is short wave, but for emergency preperation Solar/Crank (imo) is the only way to go. Batteries will get harder to find in an extended Emergency, unless you go with rechargeable batteries with a solar charger, then you'll get a longer use from them.

When it comes to Solar/Crank Radio's the best company I've dealt with is the C. Crane Company in California http://www.ccrane.com (they have Short Wave Radio's) If you find a Radio on their site that you like, you might get lucky and find it even cheaper from them in their "Orphan" section. I even found one of their Radio's on Amazon.ca

I hope you find one you like 🙂

http://www.modernoutpost.com/shop/self-powered/348-voyager-ka500.html

I have this. Portable, Solar, battery, crank with a cell phone charger, shortwave and national weather forcast channels. Good reception, hand crank is smooth.

Hey billyrubin,
That short wave radio that you suggested looks great. If I had my druthers I druther have that one.

I got mine at The Source in town here, three reasons (probably lame ones): I'm not keen on buying things over the internet, I like to see and feel the object of my desire, and three, without a vehicle I pretty much just buy whatever is local. Anyway, I'm not keen on the one I got, the AM/FM works, but only get static on the SW. Figure I need to get up higher with more antenna. (that can be purchased or jerry rigged. But as I've mentioned to paintergirl, the reading I'd done said that in an EMP situation even a cheap shortwave radio would work because most of the background static would be gone, but that remains to be seen.

The one I got is the Traveller II Digital G8 by Grundig, it was on special (and is often) for $50. I've kept it in a faraday container, which is a round christmas cookie tin that I lined, and I also keep lots of unopened Duracell batteries with it.

Remember to not store your container on a conducting surface like metal shelving, wood is suggested. I do not ground my container as other more knowledgeable sources say that if not done right it only creates an antenna for the surge, even the professionals can get it wrong. What I'd like to know is how do you know when it is safe to open your faraday container and use your radio? When the sky stops shimmering and glowing? 😕

I am reading up on these suggestions, thanks! 😀

Grundig is a good brand. I can pick up some shortwave, but we also do not have overall great radio reception in our immediate area. Saw a guy leaving the second hand shop with 4 old microwaves. Wondered if he was going to use them as Faraday containers.I have not got that far yet.

For us newbies I found a very readable article, at Catastrophe Network, about shortwave radios and their use.

http://www.catastrophenetwork.org/?p=418

Great article, helpful to know what times would work better then others...

I appreciate the responses, even the old microwave/faraday is something to consider, it certainly makes sense why it would work!

Paintergirl just something else to consider. A short wave antenna. I find it helpful, but disgusting to put myself into the shoes of one who is not prepared but is armed after TSHTF. If one such person were chosing which place to "hit " for supplies. I would chose the one with the antenna as they are most likely to be prepared and have something worth a conflict. Just sayin, I hope we never go there but here we are. Use a collapsible antenna and only when actually using the radio. Hope you never need it.

I am looking at a grundig now, see solid reviews and will slide down the slippery slope of amazon this week to get one!... Nice point about a visible antenna listen2me... Concealment is a strong interest of mine.

Just found this video showing how diy an antenna for your short wave radio for a $1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFg43oaMfds