Review on Midland 74200 Digital All Hazard Alert Monitor: Limited Stock - Discontinued Model by Sean Spence

I bought a Midland 74200 Digital All Hazard Alert Monitor on 24th November 2003. The instructions for the Midland 74200 Digital All Hazard Alert Monitor are in an appropriate font size for people with normal vision, but may be difficult to read for those with low vision. The display on this weather radio is pretty hard to read and the manufacturers should have considered using an "LED" display. The LED indicators on the front of the device are a nice touch, although they could be brighter. The device should be placed on a table or other flat surface, the ability to hang the device on the wall would be a nice touch and would allow the device to be placed almost anywhere. The radio uses a 9V battery for backup power in the event of a power failure. Most of the controls are on the top of the device. If you have a small pet that likes to walk on things, you might want to consider placing this unit in a place where they can't climb on it, which can be a problem. I have a unique issue with this device, but I'm sure some others will experience this. I live in a house covered in metal siding. This causes the "noaa" signal to become null (unreachable). The device has a long telescopic antenna that should help with this, but it doesn't. The unit dose has an external antenna input on the back however, but most "external VHF antennas" on the market are designed to be window mounted, if you rent that no no. I've used a modified car cellphone antenna and it works when the weather is nice, but of course that's not what the radio is for. In extreme weather, the only way to get a signal is to go outside and hold the device 5 feet in the air and 3 feet from home. I believe this weather radio could be a lifesaver for the average user but could use a few more features to make it more convenient and attractive.