Portable radio recommendations

[NW Cat Owner]

Thinking of getting some sort of portable radio with weather channels on it. Doesn't need to play music via CDs or memory stick. I'm more interested in weather channels, as well as alerts for bad weather. Would be handy to operate with batteries, hand crank and electrical (a/c).

Heck if I know what is useful or needed or whatever. But figured someone(s) on here will know and will be happy to share their knowledge. Pros and cons and all that.

I don't want to rely upon smart phone apps as I might not always have cell coverage.

Thanks!

[Donna D.]

I bought (and like) the Midland Consumer Radio ER310 Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM Digital Weather Radio

[advenas]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I bought (and like) the Midland Consumer Radio ER310 Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM Digital Weather Radio

How do you like this radio? I'm looking for the same thing, a portable for radio, weather, etc with lithium batteries. Just need it rechargeable via usb cable or other means. Don't want to be changing batteries all the time.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by advenas

How do you like this radio? I'm looking for the same thing, a portable for radio, weather, etc with lithium batteries. Just need it rechargeable via usb cable or other means. Don't want to be changing batteries all the time.

I like it, a lot. It's great for sitting out at the picnic table with some quiet music and the solar panel does charge the batteries. Plus cranking for a couple of minutes charges the batteries too. For me, it's good enough and does exactly what I expected. Now... what's crappy is the speaker but there again... good enough. If I want quality music sound, I'll sit in the trailer and listen to the Bose.

[advenas]

Thanks Donna. I'll keep that in mind as I shop around. I'm reading the C. Crane radios are nice and do sound good. Just spendy.

[cpaharley2008]

Here is mine, very happy with it
https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-MMR-8...=sangean+radio

[advenas]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Here is mine, very happy with it
https://www.amazon.com/Sangean-MMR-8...=sangean+radio

This radio got a good review on Jay Allen's website. I like the design and the fact you can charge it with a USB I believe.

[elongest]

I bought the Sangean that CPAHarley had recommended. It sets in the window and the solar panel charges it, so no need to plug it in for charging. The reception and sound quality is very good. It is now the wife's radio to use in the house. I have to get another one for the trailer.
Elongest

[War Eagle]

We bought one of the earlier solar/crank models marketed under the "Red Cross" brand name and were never fully happy with it (am I allowed to "dis" brand names on the forum?). Basic operations (setting the clock, searching for specific radio frequencies, etc.) were not intuitive, knobs felt fragile, and the small solar panel never seemed to provide much of a charge even after extended time in direct intense sunlight, though the hand-crank worked well. There have been a lot of advances over the past several years, so perhaps they are better now. But I think I'll look into the brands/models mentioned above by others.

[NW Cat Owner]

I ordered the Sangean one, which is one I had been looking at already, but wasn't sure about. Amazon has more than one to pick from! It'll be here tomorrow and I can start testing it out. (Along with other stuff ordered for the trailer - gotta start getting ready for upcoming trips - yay!)

[advenas]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

I ordered the Sangean one, which is one I had been looking at already, but wasn't sure about. Amazon has more than one to pick from! It'll be here tomorrow and I can start testing it out. (Along with other stuff ordered for the trailer - gotta start getting ready for upcoming trips - yay!)

I would be very interested in what you think about the Sangean radio. Thanks!

[Mike Lewis]

Sangean radios in general are pretty good. I don't have that model, but I do have two of their tabletop radios and a portable radio. They all work pretty well. The portable in particular has good reception.