Most helpful client reviews
153 of 156 humans found the following review helpful.
Nice but has flaws
By JP Vic
Pros:
87 of 90 persons found the following review helpful.
Great Idea but of no real value in execution
By R. Jackson
Bought this multi-use emergency radio for use for the duration of power outages and other emergencies. When I received the radio (loved the case and knobs) I cranked the generator for regarding 1-2 minutes and gave it a try. Volume was very good and dialing in the stations was quick and easy. I set all defaults then GONE – battery died. I then cranked the generator for over 5 minutes and again set things up and played with everything for when it comes to 3 minutes and the battery passed from physical life again. I then added 3 AA Energizer batteries, cranked the generator again for 3-5 minutes. I set the switch to the generator mode for the evening and set the alert scheme to monitor for a single county. In the morning, the unit was dead again and not only the built in battery was dead, the 3 new AA batteries were likewise dead. As a final test, I took the unit outside and placed the solar panel in direct sunlight. (even moved it for the duration of the day to track the sun). I turned it off that evening and did the same the next day. When I turned the unit on the FM radio it passed from physical life in less than 30 minutes.
NOW, here is the biggie and I would caution any person thinking when it comes to buying this product. I emailed Eton service.
QUOTE –
Thanks for the email Mr. J. I need to recognise if you were attempting to charge it through a window. The solar charger only charges with the radio in direct sunlight, not through a window or in shade, with the power selector switch in the solar position while charging.
Cranking for 90 seconds must grant the radio to play for with regards to 5 minutes, at low volume.
The FR600 is a digital receiver with NOAA and S.A.M.E. technology. It is hence harder on batteries than other radios.
When you’re using AA batteries and have the radio in the ALERT position, the radio is still on, monitoring for alerts. We suggest that you use an AC adapter if you’re using the ALERT position. An AC adapter may be purchased for $9.95+shipping by calling 1-800-793-6542.
END QUOTE
I answered their questions but IF USING THIS RADIO IN EMERGENCY WHEN NO POWER IS AVAILABLE – Wouldn’t that make the AC power adapter kind of usless????
105 of 116 persons found the following review helpful.
Etón American Red Cross ARCFR600R Digital Radio Review
By G. Teruya
This is a review of the Etón American Red Cross ARCFR600R Solarlink Digital AM/FM/SW/NOAA S.A.M.E. Weather Radio with Flashlight, Siren, Solar and Cell Phone Charger in Red.
My interest is commonly in survival products, in particular in coolers and flashlights. In this case, I was looking for a emergency weather radio that had a NOAA feature and could be powered through respective means. This product appeared to meet everything I could ask for in an emergency radio.
I in truth just received the product yesterday and expended the entire evening attempting out each feature at least two to three times. I did not bother reading the manual as I wanted to see how intuitive this radio is and if I could figure out how to use the features easily. Like a former review noted, once you figure it out, it is easy to set up presets, time, and date. The display lights up with a bright, even, white backlit display. The only complaint I would have is in regards to the backlight not staying on very long. But I perceive that this helps conserve battery power.
From the appearance, this radio appears to be sturdy, having a rubberized covering that appears to be sealed well. The radio has numerous heft as well, and you may see deep-set screws along the body, that holds the radio together snug. The rest of the radio is made of plastic, including the knobs of the dials, which in my opinion is not a bad thing. The antenna fits in snug, which provides shelter must the radio suffer from a fall. Even the solar panel is set in a little, which will protect the panel if the radio ought to drop. Bottom line is that Eton has taken measures to formulate a sturdy and practical design for this radio. I did not test this radio for water resistance due to the highpriced $80 cost.
The date, clock, and digital tuner including the AM/FM, NOAA, and Short Wave features worked genuinely well. I did not have to use the antenna much. The speaker works well and may handle the volume when it is pumped up, though the quality of sound including treble and bass is not that of my Sony ICF36 Portable Radio, which I rate as the top of speaker output for portable radios. I am not welleducated on S.A.M.E. scheme and did not know how to use that function. The siren, flashlight, and signal beacon worked fine. The solar power, crank, rechargeable battery, and regular batteries worked fine to power the radio. The radio does not come up with cell phone connections, so I was not capable to test out the cell phone charger or hook up the radio to a USB port.
Overall, the Etón American Red Cross ARCFR600R Digital Radio is a comprehensive package of features for disaster/emergency situations. All of the features that I was competent to test worked well. The radio has a well thought out, sturdy design. I rate this radio a 4.5 out of 5.0 score. The score could be higher if the flashlight had a more magnificent and effective CREE LED and speaker could put out a little better bass sound.
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