{"id":42591,"date":"2020-04-10T14:11:37","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T18:11:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=42591"},"modified":"2020-06-25T07:29:50","modified_gmt":"2020-06-25T11:29:50","slug":"five-solid-radios-to-get-you-through-the-pandemic-or-any-emergency-for-that-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/five-solid-radios-to-get-you-through-the-pandemic-or-any-emergency-for-that-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"Five solid radios to get you through the pandemic (or any emergency, for that matter)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The original CC Skywave portable radio is among the pricier of my suggestions, but also packs the most features. Seen here on location in Canada.<\/p><\/div>\n

Over the past four weeks, I’ve gotten a number of emails from first-time readers of the SWLing Post<\/em> who’ve landed here because they’re searching for a new radio. While not all these readers are necessarily interested in shortwave, what they are interested in is a good, solid battery-powered radio to receive local news on AM and FM.<\/strong>\u00a0 A few have specifically asked for a radio with NOAA\/Environment Canada weather radio<\/strong> reception. Others are looking for a self-powered <\/strong>or hand crank radio option, while some specifically asked for a shortwave<\/strong> radio to listen to international broadcasts<\/strong>. A common point was that no one wanted to spend a lot, inclining toward something cost-effective<\/strong>\u2013\u2013understandable in these uncertain times<\/a>\u2013\u2013but they nonetheless are looking for quality, for a radio that won’t fail<\/strong> them, even if their Internet service does.<\/p>\n

Radios provide local connection<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>The following post is my response to these questions. I’ve selected five radios under $90 USD that can fill a variety of needs, and also offer good information support in the event of an emergency.<\/strong> I gave priority to radios that can be powered by common AA batteries\u2013\u2013all but one model can be powered by common AA cells. Also, three of the five radios below can receive North American weather radio frequencies.<\/p>\n

Note that while many of these models have been chosen with North American readers in mind, there are a number of similar models available in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific that have DAB\/DAB+ reception. This list is by no means comprehensive, as there are literally hundreds of similar radios on the market; if you feel I’ve left an ideal radio off this list, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.<\/p>\n

Self-Powered Radios: The C. Crane CC Solar Observer ($50)<\/h1>\n

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There are a number of self-powered (hand-crank and\/or solar powered) radios on the market. My favorite self-powered radio<\/strong> for receiving local news and weather here in North America is the C. Crane CC Solar Observer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I like the CC Solar Observer<\/strong> because it’s substantial, well made by a company I trust, and has three different ways to power it (AA batteries\/AC adapter, a hand crank, and solar charging).<\/strong> The internal rechargeable battery pack stores energy from the hand crank, solar panel, or AC adapter. In a pinch, this radio can even charge a mobile phone<\/strong> via a supplied USB adapter.<\/p>\n

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The backlit dial is such a thoughtful design feature: whether the power’s out or you’re just out camping, it’s good to be able to see where you’re tuning in.<\/p><\/div>\n

And, of course, this radio performs very well<\/strong>, indeed. You’ll be pleased with AM, FM<\/strong> and weather radio reception.<\/strong> Audio is quite respectable via the internal speaker, and the overall build quality is excellent<\/strong>. The CC Solar Observer also sports an LED flashlight,<\/strong> and is, to my knowledge, the only self-powered radio with a very handy backlit dial!<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is not the cheapest in the line-up: new, these retail anywhere from $45 to $60 USD<\/strong>. Still, I think this radio is a very worthwhile investment, and really, the best of the bunch.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Retailers:<\/strong><\/p>\n