Review on 📻 C. Crane CC Solar Observer: A Versatile Wind Up Solar Emergency Crank Radio with AM, FM, NOAA Weather, LED Flashlight, Cellphone Charger, and AC Adapter by Rachel Johnson

I liked the small size and light weight, which makes this radio ideal to pack in a backpack. I charged and discharged the batteries several times as recommended for NiMH batteries to allow them to hold the maximum charge. With rechargeable batteries, the radio will play for about 16 hours. I tested the handle and after reading other reviews of broken handles I was very particular about keeping the radio stationary. I recommend laying the radio on its back with the dynamo handle hanging over the edge of the table. In this position you can turn the crank on the radio with one hand without moving the radio. The edge of the table acts as a straight line to allow you to rotate the handle so you don't pull the handle in or out, which puts more strain on the handle. Also, I only turned the crank at a moderate speed, which helps maintain good circular motion. I've found that I need to charge dead batteries for at least three minutes to get any noticeable dynamo play time. I get about 18 minutes of playback with a three minute start time. The FM is just as sensitive as my full size stereo and the speaker is what I would expect from a radio this small. The whip antenna really helps in finding distant stations. However, since there is no broadband/narrowband selection, some channels overlap. AM honestly, a whip antenna isn't going to help in this transmit band. Night reception was best with AM. The weather function was excellent! Updates are frequent and more accurate than local news. You receive weather alerts, but you must listen to the weather station during the alert. This radio is not a substitute for broadcast warnings of floods, tornadoes, etc. It really excels at being lightweight, portable and perfect for camping. I have charged batteries with a solar panel but I don't expect this method to be effective. Lots of benefits in most cases. You "must" always face the panel directly into the sun, and for at least four hours (eight is better) if you expect any meaningful gaming time. Stick a stick or other straight object six inches long in the ground and tilt it until no shadow remains from it. This is the angle you need to raise the radio's solar panel so that it faces the sun. You must adjust this angle every 30 minutes as the earth rotates. I haven't used the USB feature, so I can't comment on that. Finally, I didn't run the device on regular batteries until they died, so I don't know how long they will last. Personally I would avoid using the dynamo part unless I have to. Like a "plastic" handle and a dynamo that doesn't turn, this mechanical system is the most fragile part of a radio.