Product Description
You never know when an emergency may strike. It could be weather or geoloically related. You might be lost in the woods or the road. It might even be politically related. Who knows? But staying informed before and during it may be a matter of life or death. Be prepared and aware with the Eton FR400 emergency radio. This affordable portable receives AM (530-1710 kHz), FM 88-108 MHz, VHF TV audio and seven NOAA weather channels. The FR400 operates from a wind-up generator, or 4.5 VDC [ ? ] or 3 AA cells (not supplied). The generator charges the supplied, replaceable NiMH cells. Two turns per second for 90 seconds will provide 40 to 60 minutes of operation. The controls are easy to use. There is also a built-in triple LED light with emergency light source built into the side of the radio. Two of the LEDs are white for illumination, and the third is a blinking red LED for signaling. There is even a loud siren function in this device. The battery compartment allows access to the built-in NiMH pack or for the three optional AA cells. The FR400 comes with a 4.5 VDC 120 VAC adapter. There are jacks on the rear panel for: earphone output, 4.5 VDC input and phone charger output. These jacks are protected under a water resistant rubber flap. The FR400 has the additional capability of recharging certain cell phones. Several common cellular power adapters are included with your FR-400. Eton is also including a very nice black canvas carry case and an AC adapter. This radio comes with an Owner's Manual, Eton Catalog and mini Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Guide. 8.7 x 4.5 x 2 inches 1.3 Lbs.
In addition to helping to keep you and your family safe, your purchase will help the American Red Cross. Etón Corporation will make a proportional contribution based on each sold radio to support the American Red Cross.
It can be a life saver! Emergency Siren
Amazon.com Product Description
The Etón Grundig American Red Cross FR400 is one of Etón's American Red Cross branded, weather-resistant emergency radios. With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit's AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built-in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency siren -- all surrounded by a sturdy, weather-resistant casing -- the lightweight and portable Grundig FR400 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources.
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FR250 |
FR300 |
FR350 |
FR400 |
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Hand crank |
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Cell phone charger |
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Emergency lights |
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Siren |
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AC adapter included |
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Water resistant |
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Tuning |
AM/FM, SW |
AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather |
AM/FM, SW |
AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather |
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Size (inches, WxDxH) |
6.5 x 2.5 x 6 |
6.5 x 2.5 x 6 |
8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 |
8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 |
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Weight |
1 lb. 3 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
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Power |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC | |
Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR200, an entry-level shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light; the Grundig FRFR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR 300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; and the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250.
Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR400, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio (the FR400 comes with several cell phone adapters), you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR400 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR400 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.
According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR400 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR400 can also be powered via the included AC adapter, or from three AA batteries, which are not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)
Design and Controls
At 1.5 pounds, and with dimensions of 4.5 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches (HxWxD), the FR400 is made to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case, ready to be stored in emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the side of the radio, just above the tuning knob, allowing you to use the FR400 like a flashlight. A red flashing emergency light is also included. This placement is an improvement over the designs of the FR200, FR250 and FR350, all of which place the emergency light on the radio's face. But similar to those radios, the light on the FR400 is only designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, and is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.
The large band selection knob and other controls make the FR400 a breeze to use. View larger. |
The rear connections are protected by rubber seals. View larger. |
On the left, the hand crank, on the right, a flashlight, and tuning and volume knobs. |
The mechanical controls of the FR40 are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is fairly easy to finesse, and the tuning knob, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, offers much greater control. A sealed 3.5 mm earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap., and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality and excellent volume for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is self-illuminated, though in a darkened environment it is still somewhat difficult to pick out the bands.
Tuning and Bands
The FR400 offers AM/FM reception as well as 7 NOAA weather channels and a weather alert, and TV-VHF audio reception for channels 2 - 13. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Because weather broadcasts are based on VHF, line-of-sight channels, and because we are slightly out of range of the nearest weather transmitter in our region, we were not able to test the radio's weather reception. Television reception, happily, was quite another story. Though some stations took some finessing of the tuner before we were able to hone in on a strong signal, most of the reception was loud and clear.
While the FR400 shares the same features and performance of the FR300, its sturdy, weather-resistant casing and design modifications give it a distinct edge in emergency situations that's well worth the extra cost.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
- Clearly laid out functions and controls
- Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger
Cons
- Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments
What's in the Box
FR400 radio, cell phone charging adapters, nylon carrying case, and American Red Cross pamphlet.
Customer Reviews:
Good... could be a little bit better though........2007-12-26
All handles and switches are made of plastic and they don't seem very sturdy. The flashlight Leds are not powerful. The display should be illuminated. Anyway, I've got two of these radios (one for home, the other for the office) and I like them, they work well.
Amazon prices are not cheap.......2007-11-26
This product can be bought for the same price if not less at other online retailers. Amazon makes it look like it has been "marked down" but in reality it hasn't! Buyers beware.
Arrived broken and incomplete.......2007-11-11
We know that this is one of the best radio's for emergencies. Being up north with our snow and ice storms, we need a good reliable radio. But this radio, though one of the best, arrived at our home broken due to some cheap...cheap plastic parts. You also have to send off for your cell phone attachment and if you have more than one type of cell phone in the home, you're out of luck.
does not include cell phone adapters.......2007-09-24
I returned the first one because it did not have the cell phone adapters, I received the replacement the very next day, but it also did not include the cell phone adapters
Cell phone charger? Not really!.......2007-08-19
What the vendor fails to tell the buyer, until the radio is unwrapped, is that it takes at least 15 minutes crank time to get less than a minute of cell phone charge. Secondly, the appropriate cell phone adapter tip and charge cord have to be sent away for separately.
Product Description
Whether you need to track emergency news, are curious about the weather forecast, or merely want to listen to the audio tracks of your favorite TV program, the Eton FR300 is a perfect fit. The crank-powered radio includes an AM/FM tuner a host of other audio options. The radio also offers such features as a built-in LED light for illumination, a flashing red emergency light, an emergency siren, as well as cell phone charger--all perfect for roadside crises. In addition, because the radio includes a wind-up generator, it'll never run out of power or batteries.
Amazon.com Product Description
When an emergency strikes, will you have the vital information you need? The Etón FR300 answers that question with a resounding yes. This sturdy AM/FM radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage, thanks to a hand crank that can be used to recharge the built-in battery. Thanks to the FR300's reception of NOAA weather radio, emergency information is always close at hand when you need it, making this radio a must-have for anyone who wants to be as ready as possible for unforeseen events.
Emergency lighting, cell phone power, and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger. |
The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger. |
The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery. |
Design and Controls
Weighing in at just under a pound and a half, and measuring just six and a half inches across, the FR300 is light and compact enough to take anywhere. Simple, easy-to-grasp rotating knobs on the front of the device control tuning, volume, and band selection. The tuning knob also features a fine tuning control knob superimposed on the main tuning knob for extreme tuning accuracy. An analog tuning selector is clearly marked with key frequencies, making it easy to quickly tune the stations that matter most. Two switches on the front of the device control the flashlight and power supply selection.
Tuning and Bands
As mentioned, the FR300 tunes all seven NOAA weather channels, plus the all important alert channel. In addition to AM/FM tuning, you can tune into the audio from VHF television stations -- TV1 and TV2, channels two through 13.
Connections and Power
Because the FR300 is built for those times when normal power options are not available, it provides a number of options for providing the juice it needs. An AC adapter (not included) charges the built-in Ni-MH battery pack, but again, If the power is out it can be recharged using the attached hand crank. Power can also be supplied by three "AA" batteries, and if there is no battery at all in the device -- including the rechargeable battery -- the radio will operate with continuous operation of the hand crank.
Extras
The FR300's LED light system offers three emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode. There's also a siren for alerting emergency responders to your location, as well as a cell phone charger for keeping your other vital communications tool topped off with power. The radio includes cell phone adapter tips for charging select models of Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, and LG phones. Note that not all manufacturers or makes are supported.
What's in the Box
FR300 radio, 5 cell phone charging adapters, carrying case, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
An easy for for an info junkie when the power is out.......2007-12-22
In 2006 Seattle, and western Washington, suffered through a major windstorm. The windstorm knocked down trees and power lines resulting in mass power outages. Remote areas in western Washington were without power for weeks.
We used the Eton radio during the windstorm and the recovery period to stay in touch with the latest news. The ability to tune into the news and hear was an amazing for how isolated and disconnected we felt with every day amenities like the Internet and satellite TV.
The radio worked as advertised. We could listen to the local AM station for about 30 minutes after cranking the handle for 1 minute.
A good emergency radio is an essential piece of gear for all 72 hour kits.
works great.......2007-12-18
Cranking for 90 seconds gives you loads of power and the radio is compact so it packs well too.
the only thing about this product that i'd change is the carry case, which is a little clumsy in design.
Bought 3 for Christmas gifts last year.......2007-11-26
We live in Florida and I bought these for my family members in case we were out of power. We know the value of getting information immediately and these radio's give us that. Fortunately, we haven't had to use the emergency features on them this year, but that's a good thing.
Just right for the purpose.......2007-11-15
Not sure I understand other complaints about quality of reception. Maybe its a location thing? I get better FM, AM on this small radio than on any other I own. Also good reception of TV channels and adequate reception of local weather channel. Love it! I may take it out of my disaster box and use it regularly. Besides, it's so darn cute.
Seems OK, but...........2007-11-04
Seems to work well as described in the instructions, but after a month I am still waiting for the free connection for charging my cell phone. Will have to recontact them which is annoying.
Product Description
Be prepared for emergencies with this self-powered, battery-free radio - featuring AM, FM and even shortwave frequencies.
- 60 turns of the crank gives you 60 minutes of battery-free power
- 4-band tuning: AM/FM/SW1/SW2
- Fine tuning control allows you to pinpoint every signal
- Built-in emergency light
- Built-in DC jack and earphone jack
- 2.5" speaker
- Runs on 3 AA batteries (optional)
- Heavy-duty, splash-proof ABS construction
- Fold-away crank handle
- Soft, nylon carrying case
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty
To help you in extra-tough situations, a built-in emergency light helps you find your matches, candles or lantern until the power comes back on. Features a durable, splash-proof ABS shell.
Amazon.com Product Description
The Etón Grundig FR200 AM/FM Shortwave World Band Crank Radio and Light is the entry-level shortwave radio in Etón's line of emergency radios. With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit's AM/FM/Shortwave radio and built-in LED flashlight, the lightweight and portable Grundig FR200 is an economical choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources.
Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger. |
The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger. |
The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery. |
An emergency light shines the way. |
Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250; and the Grundig FR 400, a water-resistant variation of the FR300.
Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)
Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.
The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, For an "emergency radio," it seems that Etón might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.
Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 4-band tuning -- AM, FM and two shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.
It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
- Clearly laid out functions and controls
- Excellent internal power generator
Cons
- Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
- Shortwave reception inconsistent
- Should include an AC adapter
What's in the Box
FR200 radio, carrying case, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
An Awesome Product for the Price.......2007-10-21
I bought the Grundig hand-crank radio specifically to take camping with me and this thing works like a charm! I can get stations from Burlington while I'm in the southern Adirondacks (about 80 miles away) and it's relatively water-resistant...in addition to that, it works perfectly with the wireless transmitter for the iPod...my only complaint is that I wish this particular model had an adapter iPod/cell phone charging purposes.
Color.......2007-09-29
We have a few FR200's and have no complaints about the radio itself - for the price it's excellent. However, when I purchased the "Yellow" radio, I received an Orange radio instead (which I haven't found listed anywhere). Even the Amazon product detail section shows 2 distinctly different colors - Yellow and Orange. Don't know what's up but Orange is not Yellow.
Customer service non-existant.......2007-09-26
I recently purchased this item and I've attempted to contact Eton Customer service via their email link on their website. I have not received a reply for the past two weeks. I emailed them again last week to confirm that they got my email and no luck. I enjoy the radio but do not buy this product if you expect any customer service from Eton.
R.
Emergency radio.......2007-09-03
This radio is great. The reception is crisp and the light is strong -- a necessity when it is the only light source.
crackly volume control drives you nut every time you touch it?.......2007-09-02
I have tried a number of these radios over five years or so, I must say that the radio is fantastic. The best of all, you only need to change batteries twice a year for leaving the radio on all day. Having said that, you would think that for the amount of complaint written about the crackly volume control in this radio someone would have paid attention and changed this nasty part by now. Another Chinese dump!!!!!
Amazon.com Product Description
When an emergency strikes, will you have the vital information you need? The Etón FR300 answers that question with a resounding yes. This sturdy AM/FM radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage, thanks to a hand crank that can be used to recharge the built-in battery. Thanks to the FR300's reception of NOAA weather radio, emergency information is always close at hand when you need it, making this radio a must-have for anyone who wants to be as ready as possible for unforeseen events.
Design and Controls
Weighing in at just under a pound and a half, and measuring just six and a half inches across, the FR300 is light and compact enough to take anywhere. Simple, easy-to-grasp rotating knobs on the front of the device control tuning, volume, and band selection. The tuning knob also features a fine tuning control knob superimposed on the main tuning knob for extreme tuning accuracy. An analog tuning selector is clearly marked with key frequencies, making it easy to quickly tune the stations that matter most. Two switches on the front of the device control the flashlight and power supply selection.
Tuning and Bands
As mentioned, the FR300 tunes all seven NOAA weather channels, plus the all important alert channel. In addition to AM/FM tuning, you can tune into the audio from VHF television stations -- TV1 and TV2, channels two through 13.
Connections and Power
Because the FR300 is built for those times when normal power options are not available, it provides a number of options for providing the juice it needs. An AC adapter (not included) charges the built-in Ni-MH battery pack, but again, If the power is out it can be recharged using the attached hand crank. Power can also be supplied by three "AA" batteries, and if there is no battery at all in the device -- including the rechargeable battery -- the radio will operate with continuous operation of the hand crank.
Extras
The FR300's LED light system offers three emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode. There's also a siren for alerting emergency responders to your location, as well as a cell phone charger for keeping your other vital communications tool topped off with power. The radio includes cell phone adapter tips for charging select models of Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, and LG phones. Note that not all manufacturers or makes are supported.
What's in the Box
FR300 radio, 5 cell phone charging adapters, carrying case, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
An easy for for an info junkie when the power is out.......2007-12-22
In 2006 Seattle, and western Washington, suffered through a major windstorm. The windstorm knocked down trees and power lines resulting in mass power outages. Remote areas in western Washington were without power for weeks.
We used the Eton radio during the windstorm and the recovery period to stay in touch with the latest news. The ability to tune into the news and hear was an amazing for how isolated and disconnected we felt with every day amenities like the Internet and satellite TV.
The radio worked as advertised. We could listen to the local AM station for about 30 minutes after cranking the handle for 1 minute.
A good emergency radio is an essential piece of gear for all 72 hour kits.
works great.......2007-12-18
Cranking for 90 seconds gives you loads of power and the radio is compact so it packs well too.
the only thing about this product that i'd change is the carry case, which is a little clumsy in design.
Bought 3 for Christmas gifts last year.......2007-11-26
We live in Florida and I bought these for my family members in case we were out of power. We know the value of getting information immediately and these radio's give us that. Fortunately, we haven't had to use the emergency features on them this year, but that's a good thing.
Just right for the purpose.......2007-11-15
Not sure I understand other complaints about quality of reception. Maybe its a location thing? I get better FM, AM on this small radio than on any other I own. Also good reception of TV channels and adequate reception of local weather channel. Love it! I may take it out of my disaster box and use it regularly. Besides, it's so darn cute.
Seems OK, but...........2007-11-04
Seems to work well as described in the instructions, but after a month I am still waiting for the free connection for charging my cell phone. Will have to recontact them which is annoying.
Amazon.com
The Etón Grundig American Red Cross FR400 is one of Etón's American Red Cross branded, weather-resistant emergency radios. With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit's AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built-in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency siren -- all surrounded by a sturdy, weather-resistant casing -- the lightweight and portable Grundig FR400 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources.
The FR400 is small and portable enough to go wherever life takes you. |
Housed within its weather-resistant body, the Etón FR400 includes a two white-LED light source, and a flashing red-LED light source, as well as an emergency siren so that you can not only find what you are looking for, but others can easily find you. As an added convenience, this unit features a 3.5-millimeter earphone jack, a fine-tuning control knob super-imposed on the main tuning control knob for achieving the maximum in station clarity, and a built-in cell-phone charger with a 3.5-millimeter output jack and multiple adapter tips for charging select models of Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson phones. This Etón FR400 weighs only 1.5 pounds, and measures 8.6 x 4.5 x 2 inches (W x H x D).
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Other models in Etón's line of emergency radios that we tested include the Grundig FR200, an entry-level shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light; the Grundig FR250, a shortwave radio that also includes a flashing LED light, cell phone charger and siren; the Grundig FR 300, which includes the emergency features of the FR250, but offers television and weather station tuning instead of shortwave; and the Grundig FR 350, a water-resistant variation of the FR250.
While the FR400 shares the same features and performance of the FR300, its sturdy, weather-resistant casing and design modifications give it a distinct edge in emergency situations that's well worth the extra cost. |
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FR250 |
FR300 |
FR350 |
FR400 |
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Hand crank |
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Cell phone charger |
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Emergency lights |
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Siren |
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AC adapter included |
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Water resistant |
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Tuning |
AM/FM, SW |
AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather |
AM/FM, SW |
AM/FM, TV-VHF, NOAA weather |
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Size (inches, WxDxH) |
6.5 x 2.5 x 6 |
6.5 x 2.5 x 6 |
8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 |
8.75 x 2.25 x 4.5 |
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Weight |
1 lb. 3 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
1 lb. 4 oz. |
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Power |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, AC |
Crank, 3 AA, NiMH battery, A | |
Tuning and Bands
The FR400 receives FM radio via a built-in telescoping antenna, AM via an internal ferrite bar, all seven NOAA weather channels plus an Alert function, and even picks up TV1, TV2, and VHF channels 2-13, so you can listen to your favorite television programs without a TV. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Because weather broadcasts are based on VHF, line-of-sight channels, and because we are slightly out of range of the nearest weather transmitter in our region, we were not able to test the radio's weather reception. Television reception, happily, was quite another story. Though some stations took some finessing of the tuner before we were able to hone in on a strong signal, most of the reception was loud and clear.
Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Etón's emergency radios, including the FR400, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio, you can use the crank to power your phone.
Important Note: Until this year, Etón provided a package of several different cell phone adapter tips with every radio. In 2007, Etón began instead including a coupon for a free adapter for whatever phone you have. So, the first thing you want to do when you get the radio is fill out the card with your cell phone's make and model and send it in to make sure you have your adapter.
In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR400 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR400 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.
The Etón FR400 is extremely versatile, and can be powered by up to four different sources, including: the included AC adapter, three AA batteries (not included), the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery which can be recharged from the AC adapter or by hand, and the dynamo hand crank which not only can recharge the built-in battery but provides power even when no battery is installed.
According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power to the radio, you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR400 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! While it's true that a full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone, we were able to recharge the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)
Design and Controls
At 1.5 pounds, and with dimensions of 4.5 x 8.75 x 2.25 inches (HxWxD), the FR400 is made to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case, ready to be stored in emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. A white LED light is set on the side of the radio, just above the tuning knob, allowing you to use the FR400 like a flashlight. A red flashing emergency light is also included. This placement is an improvement over the designs of the FR200, FR250 and FR350, all of which place the emergency light on the radio's face. But similar to those radios, the light on the FR400 is only designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, and is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.
The large band selection knob and other controls make the FR400 a breeze to use. |
The rear connections are protected by rubber seals. |
On the left, the hand crank, on the right, a flashlight, and tuning and volume knobs. |
The mechanical controls of the FR400 are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is fairly easy to finesse, and the tuning knob, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, offers much greater control. A sealed 3.5 mm earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality and excellent volume for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is self-illuminated, though in a darkened environment it is still somewhat difficult to pick out the bands.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
- Clearly laid out functions and controls
- Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger
Cons
- Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments
What's in the Box
FR400 radio, card for free cell phone charging adapter, nylon carrying case
Customer Reviews:
Good... could be a little bit better though........2007-12-26
All handles and switches are made of plastic and they don't seem very sturdy. The flashlight Leds are not powerful. The display should be illuminated. Anyway, I've got two of these radios (one for home, the other for the office) and I like them, they work well.
Amazon prices are not cheap.......2007-11-26
This product can be bought for the same price if not less at other online retailers. Amazon makes it look like it has been "marked down" but in reality it hasn't! Buyers beware.
Arrived broken and incomplete.......2007-11-11
We know that this is one of the best radio's for emergencies. Being up north with our snow and ice storms, we need a good reliable radio. But this radio, though one of the best, arrived at our home broken due to some cheap...cheap plastic parts. You also have to send off for your cell phone attachment and if you have more than one type of cell phone in the home, you're out of luck.
does not include cell phone adapters.......2007-09-24
I returned the first one because it did not have the cell phone adapters, I received the replacement the very next day, but it also did not include the cell phone adapters
Cell phone charger? Not really!.......2007-08-19
What the vendor fails to tell the buyer, until the radio is unwrapped, is that it takes at least 15 minutes crank time to get less than a minute of cell phone charge. Secondly, the appropriate cell phone adapter tip and charge cord have to be sent away for separately.
Amazon.com Product Description
When an emergency strikes, will you have the vital information you need? The Etón FR300 answers that question with a resounding yes. This sturdy AM/FM radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage, thanks to a hand crank that can be used to recharge the built-in battery. Thanks to the FR300's reception of NOAA weather radio, emergency information is always close at hand when you need it, making this radio a must-have for anyone who wants to be as ready as possible for unforeseen events.
Design and Controls
Weighing in at just under a pound and a half, and measuring just six and a half inches across, the FR300 is light and compact enough to take anywhere. Simple, easy-to-grasp rotating knobs on the front of the device control tuning, volume, and band selection. The tuning knob also features a fine tuning control knob superimposed on the main tuning knob for extreme tuning accuracy. An analog tuning selector is clearly marked with key frequencies, making it easy to quickly tune the stations that matter most. Two switches on the front of the device control the flashlight and power supply selection.
Tuning and Bands
As mentioned, the FR300 tunes all seven NOAA weather channels, plus the all important alert channel. In addition to AM/FM tuning, you can tune into the audio from VHF television stations -- TV1 and TV2, channels two through 13.
Connections and Power
Because the FR300 is built for those times when normal power options are not available, it provides a number of options for providing the juice it needs. An AC adapter (not included) charges the built-in Ni-MH battery pack, but again, If the power is out it can be recharged using the attached hand crank. Power can also be supplied by three "AA" batteries, and if there is no battery at all in the device -- including the rechargeable battery -- the radio will operate with continuous operation of the hand crank.
Extras
The FR300's LED light system offers three emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode. There's also a siren for alerting emergency responders to your location, as well as a cell phone charger for keeping your other vital communications tool topped off with power. The radio includes cell phone adapter tips for charging select models of Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, and LG phones. Note that not all manufacturers or makes are supported.
What's in the Box
FR300 radio, 5 cell phone charging adapters, carrying case, and owner's manual.
Customer Reviews:
An easy for for an info junkie when the power is out.......2007-12-22
In 2006 Seattle, and western Washington, suffered through a major windstorm. The windstorm knocked down trees and power lines resulting in mass power outages. Remote areas in western Washington were without power for weeks.
We used the Eton radio during the windstorm and the recovery period to stay in touch with the latest news. The ability to tune into the news and hear was an amazing for how isolated and disconnected we felt with every day amenities like the Internet and satellite TV.
The radio worked as advertised. We could listen to the local AM station for about 30 minutes after cranking the handle for 1 minute.
A good emergency radio is an essential piece of gear for all 72 hour kits.
works great.......2007-12-18
Cranking for 90 seconds gives you loads of power and the radio is compact so it packs well too.
the only thing about this product that i'd change is the carry case, which is a little clumsy in design.
Bought 3 for Christmas gifts last year.......2007-11-26
We live in Florida and I bought these for my family members in case we were out of power. We know the value of getting information immediately and these radio's give us that. Fortunately, we haven't had to use the emergency features on them this year, but that's a good thing.
Just right for the purpose.......2007-11-15
Not sure I understand other complaints about quality of reception. Maybe its a location thing? I get better FM, AM on this small radio than on any other I own. Also good reception of TV channels and adequate reception of local weather channel. Love it! I may take it out of my disaster box and use it regularly. Besides, it's so darn cute.
Seems OK, but...........2007-11-04
Seems to work well as described in the instructions, but after a month I am still waiting for the free connection for charging my cell phone. Will have to recontact them which is annoying.
Product Description
This emergency radio model combines hand-crank technology, a built-in flashlight and a cell-phone charger with access to NOAA weather channels and TV-VHF channels. Stay aware of approaching storms or shifting weather patterns, and keep abreast of emergency alerts. And the FR300 lets you listen to your favorite shows, even when you're nowhere near a television set. Features includes AM and FM radio; TV1 and TV2 - VHF channels 2-13; NOAA weather - all 7 channels plus "Alert"; 3 LED light system (two white and one flashing red) with emergency flash; and emergency siren. Can be powered from the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery; the dynamo crank alone; or 3 "AA" batteries (purchase separately). Recharge your cell phone simultaneously with a cell phone adapter tip - free with purchase available through Eton (please follow instruction card in box once you receive the item to order cell phone adapter tip through Eton). Measures 6" x 2.5" x 6.5". It weighs 1.4 lbs. Select orange or blue. One-year warranty.
Customer Reviews:
An easy for for an info junkie when the power is out.......2007-12-22
In 2006 Seattle, and western Washington, suffered through a major windstorm. The windstorm knocked down trees and power lines resulting in mass power outages. Remote areas in western Washington were without power for weeks.
We used the Eton radio during the windstorm and the recovery period to stay in touch with the latest news. The ability to tune into the news and hear was an amazing for how isolated and disconnected we felt with every day amenities like the Internet and satellite TV.
The radio worked as advertised. We could listen to the local AM station for about 30 minutes after cranking the handle for 1 minute.
A good emergency radio is an essential piece of gear for all 72 hour kits.
works great.......2007-12-18
Cranking for 90 seconds gives you loads of power and the radio is compact so it packs well too.
the only thing about this product that i'd change is the carry case, which is a little clumsy in design.
Bought 3 for Christmas gifts last year.......2007-11-26
We live in Florida and I bought these for my family members in case we were out of power. We know the value of getting information immediately and these radio's give us that. Fortunately, we haven't had to use the emergency features on them this year, but that's a good thing.
Just right for the purpose.......2007-11-15
Not sure I understand other complaints about quality of reception. Maybe its a location thing? I get better FM, AM on this small radio than on any other I own. Also good reception of TV channels and adequate reception of local weather channel. Love it! I may take it out of my disaster box and use it regularly. Besides, it's so darn cute.
Seems OK, but...........2007-11-04
Seems to work well as described in the instructions, but after a month I am still waiting for the free connection for charging my cell phone. Will have to recontact them which is annoying.
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