Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New Self-Powered AM/FM/SW/Weather Radio


From the Manufacturer
When emergencies or outdoor adventures take you off the grid, you need a device that can fill multiple needs. The Etón FR-500 is a compact unit that you can easily store in a safety kit or toss in your rucksack and take anywhere. It functions as an AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather radio. Additionally, it also has a flashlight, an emergency beacon, and an emergency siren. Plus, you can use it to charge your cell phone or MP3 player. Battery and AC power are always options; however this little wonder can also be powered with the hand crank or solely by the solar panels, making it a very "green" device.

Your Link to the World
Tackling the great outdoors can be a daunting task. The Etón FR-500 is designed to keep you in touch with the rest of the world, even when you are miles away from civilization. It combines a quality AM/FM tuner with a long-range short wave radio that can pick up broadcasts from thousands of miles away; providing you with news, entertainment and public service announcements. Not only that, but it also has a NOAA Weather Band receiver that can provide weather forecasts, alerts and other emergency messages--information vital to backpackers and travelers. A telescoping antenna provides maximum range and reception for all radio functions.

Etón FR-500 Makes Your Presence Known
The Etón FR-500 offers multiple communication options, maximizing your ability to stay connected with others no matter the situation. During the day, a built-in siren can emit a loud "SOS" tone to announce your presence. Long-distance signaling at night can be achieved by activating the bright red magnified LED signal beacon. The FR-500 also comes equipped with a bright four-LED flashlight, ensuring that you'll never be left in the dark. The red LED signal light can also be used, allowing you to see without affecting your night vision.

Rugged Design and Reliable Redundant Power Sources
The Etón FR-500 is ruggedized for outdoor use, and is more than ready to go in emergency situations. Clever case design protects the analog controls from damage, while rubber gaskets and plugs help keep moisture out of the unit. The easy-to-read backlit LED screen is recessed to keep it from being damaged. It displays radio and battery status, and also incorporates an alarm clock with snooze and sleep functions.
Having a device that sports multiple modes of communication means nothing if there is no way to power it. Etón has designed the FR-500 with that thought in mind, and it can be powered in several ways. The built-in rechargeable battery pack can be charged from the integrated dynamo hand crank, or from an optional AC adapter. An array of waterproof, shatterproof, high-performance glass encapsulated amorphous solar cells can also run the FR-500. They are efficient enough to power the unit whenever the sun is up, even in overcast weather. Finally, three alkaline batteries can be used for on-the-go convenience. These multiple power supplies can also be used to recharge cell phones with the Etón charging cord--available by returning the included card and specifying your phone's model.

Product Description
mono AM/FM/Shortwave/NOAA radio * receives 7 NOAA weather channels plus NOAA alerts * built-in LED flashlight * flashing red LED emergency light * built-in cell phone charger (charging cable and adapter tips not included) *

3 comments:

The Scavenger said...

Pretty nice radio, just what I need for my Bug out Bag or just around the house. Just may have to count up some change and purchase one or two.

Chris

Tracy said...

Yeah, I have the older version and it has been working great for several years. It's very sensitive, too. But this one has the added features of weather channel, solar panel (my older one only has the hand crank), LED instead of incandescent light, and digital display, which is very helpful for tuning in a specific shortwave station.
Oh, and I forgot the ability to charge cellphones and such.

Anonymous said...

although I try to avoid relying upon devices that can break down and be difficult to repair, this is a sound investment. I might buy a couple - one for the car, one for the home.