Discount ER Emergency Ready Solar and Hand-Crank Powered Emergency LED

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List Price: $49.95
Sale Price: $34.48
Today's Bonus: 31% Off

I bought one for emergencies, to have in case of blackout or earthquake. I was hoping the light would be bright enough so I could use it to pass the time by reading. Even at full charge it's not that bright, and after about 2 hours, the light drops off drastically. The radio only picks up the most powerful stations.

Don't lose the box!!!!! It features important operating instructions like "DON'T CHARGE THE BATTERY FOR MORE THAN 5 HOURS", and "DON'T WIND THE DYNAMO FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES" and "ALWAYS KEEP THE SWITCH AT SOLAR POSITION UNLESS USE THE OTHER TWO POSITIONS." These things are pretty important because they either drain the battery or wreck it. This is essential operating info. I used a Sharpie to write these instructions on the bottom of the lantern. It's not pretty, but at least I don't have to keep the box handy and I don't have to worry about wrecking the thing because I forgot the instructions.

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I purchased a similar crank radio/light in 1999 (cosmetic appearance is slightly different and mine doesn't have the cell phone charger), just prior to the Y2K scare. It has proved itself invaluable during power outages something that plagues my area. There's no need to worry about getting caught without batteries.

After cranking this product for one minute I get 20 30 minutes of radio, which is better than the manufacturer's statement of "ten".

This radio isn't as clear as other radios. There's always a very slight, but constant static in the background no matter where I go or how I tune the dial. However, the comfort of having a radio that never needs batteries far outweighs this quirk. It's definitely an emergency-only radio, not something you'd want to listen to if you have another option.

The flashlight is an extra bonus, but it's a weak light even when fully charged. Again, it's strictly for emergency use. You can't beat the assurance that it will work for weeks/months if necessary.

The case is rugged and sturdy, yet lightweight. The bright yellow color stands out. The thick handle makes it easy and comfortable to carry.

I used this a few years ago when the power went out for four days. Cranking the handle every 30 minutes does get tiresome after a while. This is why the solar power panel is important. Stick this unit in a window. The sun will recharge it in a few hours. No cranking.

If you prefer using batteries, they pop in easily. Mine runs for a long, long time on a couple of AA.

The panel on the front shows you where to place the level for solar, cranking and DC charging. It's easy to use and understand. I've never tried the DC charger.

I love this radio/light so much that I bought a second one to keep in my car's trunk.

Despite the weak light and slight static I have to issue this unit five stars. I really don't know what I would do without it when the power goes out for days.

UPDATE for MAY 2011...I still have this radio. It's working as well as it did the day I purchased it.

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This item is MUCH SMALLER than expected. The light is not as bright, not solar powered at all but radio works well in my area. It will come in handy if there is a power outage but would not buy this product again.

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So given the hefty price tag, I was skeptical about how well this would work. I was also bummed not to be able to find something less expensive (I should have donated to NPR to get one of these for free).

But when they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. They not only work as advertised, the form factor is great and handy, and the kids love it, too! =)

I feel pretty good that if there's an emergency, we're well stocked in this area and these units (we bought 2) will do the job.

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As I soon as I heard a hurricane was coming my way, I bought this bad boy and had it overnighted. I'm so thankful I did--we lost power during Hurricane Sandy and it was immensely comforting to have access to the outside world through this radio. I bought it primarily as a radio, but the flashlight was handy (not the brightest, but certainly bright enough to use). I didn't have occasion to use the strobe light or siren functions (though they might be useful if rescue is ever needed). The cell charger is brilliant as well (you can charge anything that you have a car-charger for, so computer, tablets, etc). I would highly recommended adding this guy to your arsenal of emergency-preparedness tools.

(One suggestion to the manufacturer, it would be great to have the back portion flat so that the unit can sit with the flashlight facing upwards to illuminate a room.)