Emergency Radio Advice for the 2022 Summer Blackout Season

[occamrzr06]

With a lot of headlines warning of electrical blackouts this summer, I was looking for a reliable, decent, portable emergency radio.

I've seen a number of them online, but I don't trust the reviews. Many of the reviews are praising a cheap unit, or whining why a $30 radio doesn't perform like a $1000 one.

Any input or discussion would be appreciated.

I did a search, but I didn't see this topic.

[exnavy]

A good set of multi channel two way radio transmitters are a better idea. Unless my gubmint is going to announce in advacne they are coming for me, not likely.

[Pollard]

Yeah it’s been over 10 years since I programmed the one I have and there were some I couldn’t get but don’t remember specifics as to why. I was thinking trunked. Old model so it might have been trunked and/or encrypted. I did still get fire and ambulance and some LEO. That will vary by location too. Even the county DOT uses radios and that info can be valuable and less likely to be encrypted.

[Macho MAGA Man]

C Crane hand crank radios are the best.

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

Plus one on C. Crane. I have one with a hand crank AND a built-in solar charger. I have a couple of their older, non-emergency radios, too. Good sound, great reception.

[smokingfrog]

A cheap radio with a good antenna will work better than an expensive radio with a lousy antenna.

[Charles Martel]

The radios that are listed as "hand crank" style now usually have a small DC generator that charges a battery. Unfortunately, there is usually no charge status indicator that tells you how much longer to crank for full charge, etc. It works, but is best paired with a solar charger so you can just sit the radio in a windowsill to charge it.

Another option is a radio like one I own, the Freeplay FP-2 made by BayGen. It has a clockwork mechanism attached to the crank, with a spring that spins the DC generator for an hour or more. No longer in production, but can be had new-in-box on eBay. I've used it through a few hurricane-related blackouts with no complaints.

[smokingfrog]

https://www.sangean.com/products/product.asp?mid=170

[Not_Who_U_Think]

Consider also, while the cellphone system may still operate, getting a stream will be almost impossible due to everyone trying to communicate via voice/text.

It’s old school but I think the best buy is a quality GE radio from the 80’s. Search eBay for a GE model 7-2850 to get an idea. Nice quality sound, excellent sensitivity on AM and FM, runs a long time on C cells or AC. And, it still looks good on a shelf. You can pick one up for $30-$40, and it’s quality.

[Species8472]

Icom R8600 is the top of the line for an all-band receiver.

[whitney69]

“With a lot of headlines warning of electrical blackouts this summer...”

If the power outages are going to be as big as they say, you can purchase a power source if you want but are the people you wish to communicate with going to? Most people deal for emergencies in the immediate area. If the power goes out for an extended amount of time, you won’t be able to come up with the fuel to feed your generators unless sunlight. So putting in large fuel tanks or going solar are your options. And your friends a little ways away options also. And both are expensive.

wy69

[Big Red Badger]

Absolutely!
You a Radio Guy like me?

[Organic Panic]

“Trust the government. We are here to help. Register your supplies with the closest government officer and turn in your firearms for safe keeping. “

[smokingfrog]

I’ve had good luck with their products. Made in Taiwan, I believe & not China would be another reason to buy one. They are a little more expensive, but worth it. An old Sony or Grundig shortwave radio would also be a good choice.

[Big Red Badger]

Thanks,
Putting a CB and 2meter in
My Aluminum F250 and it’s a
Tricky one. Miss my ‘05 TJ
Jeep,,, easy Peasy that !!!
.