Eton FR400 Self-Powered Water-Resistant AM/FM Radio with NOAA
by Eton
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Eton FR400 Self-Powered Water-Resistant AM/FM Radio with NOAA
Customer Review: Not as described
Summary: 3 Stars
The product description clearly says, "Includes an emergency siren, and a built-in cell phone charger with multiple adapter tips". After reading many accounts of how it is possible to lose contact simply because of not being able to recharge a cell phone, I thought this a very good feature in a "disaster radio", and it is the feature that motivated me to purchase the radio.
I was surprised to find that the radio not only doesn't include "multiple adapter tips", it doesn't have even one, in fact doesn't have even a cord that will plug into the socket labeled "cell phone", and this socket is also nothing like any standard cell phone cord would plug into.
[added later] Not evident in the product description, the "normal procedure" is to, after purchase, contact customer service, who will send you the proper adapter for the cell phone you specify. [end addition]
I contacted Eton customer service. To their credit, the reply was quick, but to the effect of, "tell us the cell phone model and we will send one cord, but no other adapters".
I'm less than thrilled with this radio. It seems OK, but the light is dim (2 LEDs), the radio reception is spotty, hard to tune, and the carrying case is too small to fit the radio and the charger.
Customer Review: Funky looking but very responsive
Summary: 5 Stars
I think there are other etons without the camouflage, but I bought this one without mfurther investigation. It has to its great credit the ability to lock in AM and stay there. Sangean (cc radio plus) will take FOREVER to do this even with digital tuning instead of the FR400's analog. Of course, the tuner is off, you always have to aim high.
I did not buy this for an emergency radio, but would hate to have to figure out the controls in the dark. And there are too many of them to control the myrial of things it does.
However, it has great sound for the price and size, and that's enough for me. Added benefit: amazing battery life, I'm not going to crank it like a Model T.
Now I've had this a while, there's a couple of things to add, both positive: The charging works super, leave it plugged in for maybe 4 hours and it will last a few days. Secondly, it is better than many higher-priced units at keeping the (AM) stations locked in. With a pin-plug into a digital recorder it will get a 4 hour baseball game without distortion that is quite common.
It's probably not the best for finding the controls, but some digitals are positively cryptic.
You can also get it in a regular solid color, so get $150 worth of performance for $60.
Customer Review: A Must Have For All Families
Summary: 5 Stars
This is really an invaluable life-saving tool. Every family should have one of these around the house regardless of whether or not you go camping.
Highlights
Multiple power sources with standard battery, rechargeable battery, AC outlet, crank.
LED Light-it isn't super bright, but it will get the job done in case your lights go out or you are fumbling for bug spray in the tent.
Siren-It is pretty loud, and will certainly garner the attention of onlookers in case you are in trouble.
It also comes with a coupon which you mail in to get an adapter to run your cell phone in case the battery dies. Once again great for home or camping.
Offers direct communication with the weather channels so there is no fumbling with the tunning dial.
Customer Review: A ""Must Pack "Radio
Summary: 4 Stars
This is radio that is for your "Must Pack" list whenever you travel. Quality is excellent with solid sound reception for AM, FM and Weather. No need to worry about power if you end up in the wilderness. Just turn the crank and you're back in touch with the world. Just ordered one as Christmas gift for my outdoor-obsessed son in law. It'll be a fixture on his boat and in his golf bag, I am certain. He has to stay in touch with what's happening and this this will make that happen for him.Customer Review: Excellent Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
Good quality electronics. Great reception, for the size very good quality sound. Weather channels and alerts work very well. Very timely for us as we have been getting pounded with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. We have experienced several power outages and the radio came in handy.
Only minor complaint is that the cell phone charging takes a very long time for a significant charge. This feature is for when you REALLY want to make a call.