📻 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 Review

I was in Afghanistan for 2 years. We've used Grundig radios, very similar, but this one beats it in more ways than one. The solar panel makes this an easy task. The idea that you can leave the radio in the window and charge it costs $1,000,000. It's easy and efficient to keep 3 AA as backup.2. The light on this is 3 LEDs. My old Grundig had 1, which didn't do much. Don't get me wrong, there isn't "a lot" of light, but if you take this radio to the bathroom or around the house, there will be…

I was listening to George Nouri and others promoting C.Crane radios and as I had to be in the high desert near Art Bell I decided it was on the time was Get a portable radio with solar power and dynamo capability. Well I spoke to the engineers at C.Crane on a different matter and they seem very smart and supportive. But this little Chinese radio, oh I'm surprised they sell crap like that. You can say just return it, but it's a 3 hour round trip and $30 fuel to the nearest UPS store. A return is

Only one problem with this radio: no lights to indicate charging or full charge. It would be the best radio of its kind. To prepare the battery, you need to keep an eye on its charging time. This is typically an overnight charge after the battery has run out. Do this three times in a row to extend battery life. Many of these crank emergency radios have tiny knobs to turn the radio on, tune in, or adjust the volume. Many have smaller speakers and cannot be heard from a distance in my city…

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