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Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Solar,Dynamo Crank,Flashlight and Reading Lamp, Color Black

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 12,980 ratings
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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Kaito
Color Black
Special Feature Solar Powered, Adjustable, Built In Flash
Connectivity Technology USB
Product Dimensions 8.3"L x 2.3"W x 5.3"H
Tuner Technology FM, AM
Style Retro
Power Source Solar Powered
Radio Bands Supported 7-Band
Included Components Owner's Manual

About this item

  • 6-way powered portable emergency radio with hand crank generator, solar panel, compartment for 3 AA batteries (not included), 5V USB input, 5V AC/DC input with a wall power adapter (sold separately), built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack
  • Comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels for entertainment, sports, talk-shows, breaking news around the world, and 24/7 real-time weather forecast (USA and Canada ONLY) with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System)
  • Works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices, such as smart phones, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras, and etc. Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light
  • Telescopic antenna extends up to 14.5" for high sensitivity reception assisted by advanced semiconductor circuitry design and LED signal strength indicator for pin-point tuning accuracy, and built-in speaker delivers loud and crispy sound
  • Made of strong premium impact-resistant and water-resistant ABS material, suitable for both indoors home/office use and outdoors recreational activities

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Product Description

Featured on NBC's Today Show

Featured on NBC's Today Show

Featured as the Weather Radio that everyone should keep in their home and car in case of emergency by TODAY contributor Jill Bauer.

Introducing the Kaito KA500 Voyager, a portable receiver designed for both daily use & emergency preparedness applications. As an emergency preparedness tool, it offers different methods to power up including an AC/DC adapter (sold separately), a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged by the optional AC adapter, hand cranking or a USB power source, and the patented flip-up 180-degree adjustable solar panel provides power for the radio even when no battery is installed. With its revolutionary design and versatile functions, it’s not only an ideal choice of a radio for everyday use around the house, but also an indispensable tool for emergency preparedness purposes, traveling, camping, backpacking and other outdoor activities.

The KA500 has a wide range of band reception including AM, FM, shortwave and NOAA weather stations. The 7-weather channels are pre-programmed and numbered from 1-7, you can easily and conveniently tune into the stations by turning the tuning knob, no more guess work involved. Plus if the radio is set at the “Alert” mode, it will be automatically activated when it receives the alert signals from the NOAA weather stations.

Specifications:

  • Headset jack socket: 3.5 mm
  • Sensitivity:
  • FM<10uV
  • MW<1mV/m
  • SW < 30uV

Voyager Max KA900
Voyager Trek KA350
Voyager Original KA500
Voyager Pro KA600
Voyager XL KA700
Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
861
3.7 out of 5 stars
73
4.5 out of 5 stars
12,980
Price $89.94 $39.95 $49.95
AM/FM NOAA Weather
Shortwave
Real Time Alert
Bluetooth
Digital Tuner
Hand Crank & Solar Power
Rechargeable Battery 3.7V / 2,000 mAh li-ion 3.7V / 500 mAh li-ion 3.6V / 600 mAh NiMH 3.6V / 600 mAh NiMH 3.7V / 2,000 mAh li-ion
Cell Phone Charger
Speaker Dual Stereo Single Mono Single Mono Single Mono Single Mono
Dimensions (approximate) 9.5 X 5.5 X 2.5 6 x 2 x 3 inches 8.25 X 5 X 2.25 9.5 x 2.2 x 5.5 inches 8.25 X 5 X 2.25
NOAA

Features
Safety features:

  • USB mobile phone charger for both iOS and Android devices
  • LED Flashlight
  • Red LED SOS beacon light
  • 5-LED reading lamp

NOAA Certified Emergency Radio

Comprehensive broadcast coverage includes AM, FM, SW1 and SW2, plus all 7 pre-programmed national weather channels with real-time alert. Don't be fooled by other so-called "weather radios", chances are they are not certified by National Weather Service or authorized to use its Logo as the Kaito Voyager KA500 is.

  • FM: 88 - 108 MHz
  • AM (MW): 530 -1710 KHz
  • NOAA Weather: 162.400/162.425/162.450/162.475/162.50/162.525/162.55 (continuous band)
  • SW1: 3.20- 8.00 MHz
  • SW2: 9.00- 22.00 MHz
Hurricane prepare

Be Prepared for the Worst

Life is full of uncertainties, emergencies often occur unexpectedly and natural disasters sometimes strike without any warning signs. The least we could do is to be prepared by having important emergency supplies readily available, making a plan for yourself and your loved ones, and being informed. Such simple and easy actions will make all the difference should our worst fear be realized. With Kaito's revolutionary Voyager KA500 6-way powered, multi-functional emergency radio, together we can make a difference!

US Troops Radio Distribution

A radio makes a world of difference

Over the years, Kaito has proudly supplied millions of radios and lanterns to the State Department, the United States Army, the United Nations, American Red Cross and other government agencies and NGOs for their humanitarian relief efforts. It's hard to believe, but often times a radio is the only way to connect with the outside world in some parts of the globe, and radio broadcasting has become an important and effective tool helping the US and its allies build strong relationship with the locals and educate them to stand up against conflicts and extremism, which in return makes our troops and diplomats safer and more successful in their missions.

*No Endorsement of Kaito by the US Department of Defense, Department of State, United Nations, American Red Cross or by their personnel is intended or implied.

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Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Solar,Dynamo Crank,Flashlight and Reading Lamp, Color Black
Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Solar,Dynamo Crank,Flashlight and Reading Lamp, Color Black
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Price$49.95$43.99-17% $39.09
Typical:$46.99
-33% $101.24
List:$149.99
-10% $35.99
Typical:$39.99
$17.99
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Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
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What's in the box

  • Owner's Manual
  • Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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    Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Solar,Dynamo Crank,Flashlight and Reading Lamp, Color Black


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    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    12,980 global ratings

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    Customers say

    Customers find the radio has good reception and sensitivity. They appreciate its functionality, including the hand crank, solar panel, and charging options. Many find it useful for emergencies, with its emergency light and sound quality. However, some have mixed opinions on the build quality.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    1,114 customers mention "Radio quality"1,061 positive53 negative

    Customers like the radio's reception and sensitivity. They find it a good emergency radio with clear FM and shortwave broadcasts at night. The FM signal is crystal clear, while AM and SW signals are mixed. Overall, customers are satisfied with the radio's performance and functionality.

    "...Not really necessary in my area. The shortwave and AM broadcast are fun to sniff out at night. It’s a good listener...." Read more

    "...All in all, a nice little radio!" Read more

    "...designed and sound is a little tinny in its nature, but still pleasant to listen to...." Read more

    "...When I want to use it I turn the radio on and listen without any problems...." Read more

    1,040 customers mention "Functionality"920 positive120 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's functionality. They find it works well, has a rugged exterior, and is lightweight. The solar cell, hand crank, flashlight, and SOS signals work as expected. However, some customers mention that the AC adapter is sold separately.

    "...The crank is effective. The solar is proportional to the size of the cells. They’re not big but they do function...." Read more

    "...I was quite impressed with the sound and general performance. I was able to bring in some SW stations and receive a lot of AM stations...." Read more

    "...I just now cranked it and it works find by that method, but only for weather, so I wouldn't recommend it, unless NOAA weather is all you care about...." Read more

    "...The hand crank seems to work well, providing a few minutes of power each time...." Read more

    789 customers mention "Charging options"717 positive72 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's versatility with multiple charging options. They mention it has a hand crank dynamo and solar panel, as well as rechargeable batteries. The radio can charge phones or other devices, and it also has LED lights for when the power is out.

    "...I like the versatility. Several ways to charge, led lights for when the power is out if you want that...." Read more

    "...Radio has four way power options, which I like, but the winding option takes a lot of winding to charge the unit...." Read more

    "...** PROS: Shortwave, AM/FM, NOAA weather; solar, crank, 2 AA battery charge, OR an optional AC plug; reading AND flashlight; cell phone charger and..." Read more

    "...Firstly, the radio is incredibly versatile with five different power sources: solar power, dynamo crank, wind-up, AA batteries, and AC/DC power...." Read more

    606 customers mention "Emergency use"578 positive28 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's emergency features. They mention it has an emergency alert signal, flashlight, and a flashing red light. The durable plastic case is perfect for sustaining mild abuse in a pack.

    "...SW bands to NOAA weather (just to get the daily forecast fast), use emergency lights, etc.,..." Read more

    "...recommend the Kaito KA500 radio to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and high-quality emergency radio...." Read more

    "...this radio because of the feature set, particularly because of the NOAA Alert and the cellphone charger...." Read more

    "...Benefits: Let's start with the most important: this radio is weather resistant...." Read more

    593 customers mention "Sound quality"481 positive112 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's sound quality. They say it has good sound for its size and is quiet. Some enjoy listening to the station changes depending on the region.

    "...The radio sounds good and the tuner seems to be easy to use...." Read more

    "...Aside from its emergency features, the radio also has excellent sound quality and a wide range of channels to choose from, including AM/FM/SW...." Read more

    "...I would of expected better for $50. The speaker quality is better then most that you heard for Survival Radios. I'm going to cut to the point...." Read more

    "...Speaker is bright and clear with decent sound. AM-FM, SW1, SW2, and weather band. Dials for tuning and volume. I like the blue color I chose...." Read more

    592 customers mention "Reception"465 positive127 negative

    Customers generally like the radio's reception. They mention it receives signals from standard AM and FM stations, as well as two separate shortwave bands. The radio has a variety of channels ready to go, and weather reception is great.

    "...It has several port options so that’s good too. Reception is just fine. You can increase it with a long wire clipped to the radio and hung higher...." Read more

    "...I was able to bring in some SW stations and receive a lot of AM stations. I don't really listen to FM. The weather band works well...." Read more

    "...there are several radio bands on this radio. AM, FM, Weather, and 2 Shortwave bands...." Read more

    "...Good reception, at least to my satisfaction certainly (but I'm not radio savvy), small size that fits nearly anywhere and picks up stations nearly..." Read more

    502 customers mention "Size"418 positive84 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's compact size. They find it lightweight and portable, with a good-sized speaker that doesn't overpower the sound. The radio is versatile and fits well in various settings like travel trailers and go bags.

    "...Display is large and easily read...." Read more

    "...It will probably fit into a gallon ziplock bag in case you want to keep the accessories with the radio and save it from some wet enviroments...." Read more

    "...certainly (but I'm not radio savvy), small size that fits nearly anywhere and picks up stations nearly anywhere; lightweight for carrying in case of..." Read more

    "...I had a spare 6v DC transformer sitting around, and the plug fit perfect, so I can power mine many ways...." Read more

    885 customers mention "Build quality"573 positive312 negative

    Customers have different views on the radio's build quality. Some find it well-made and reliable, with a good design and features. Others mention that the build quality is not what they expected, with brittle plastic and cheap components like the crank that may not hold up under rugged conditions.

    "...But for the price, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it is made. The tuning knob is smooth; the speaker is only 2 inches but seems bigger...." Read more

    "...I highly recommend the Kaito KA500 radio to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and high-quality emergency radio...." Read more

    "...In one review, I read the crank was cheap and some people had problems with breaking the crank...." Read more

    "...It seems relatively durable, including the plastic hand crank on the side. You might want to be careful to stow it after each use, though...." Read more

    Good sound and reception
    5 out of 5 stars
    Good sound and reception
    I've had this radio for about a week. I wanted to test the hand-cranking feature. I cranked it pretty hard for 2 minutes, 300 turns. It ran for 22 minutes before the "battery low" light came on. After the battery low light came on, it continued to be audible for another 40 minutes, for a total of 1 hour on a charge. At the end, the radio was very quiet, but I could still hear it. I was using the external speaker; it may have lasted even longer had I been using the ear buds. I was rather impressed. Of course the battery performance is sure to go down with use.The reading light looks like it would be barely adequate to read by. The flashlight is like the coin size led lights that are worn on key chains. Since it has the reading light, with 5 LEDs, the flashlight really seems useless, although it does have the flashing red mode, which is kind of cool.I was quite impressed with the sound and general performance. I was able to bring in some SW stations and receive a lot of AM stations. I don't really listen to FM. The weather band works well. One of the reviews mentions an auxillary antenna that helps short wave reception. My radio doesn't have any such feature.I did try the solar cells in bright sunlight and it seemed to work.I bought a similar radio from Radio Shack about 8 years ago, a Grundig FR200, and I used the hand crank a lot. It did seem to wear, and stopped turning smoothly, but it still works. I suspect this radio will be the same. The crank seems to squeak when its being turned hard, and I wonder if a shot of WD40 would help.I listen to the radio quite a bit, and this is the radio I'm using now. I have NiCad batteries in it. I'm sure they'll work for many hours before needing recharging. Its pretty unlikely that a set of 3 AA batteries will go dead before an emergency has resolved itself, but I like the crank and solar cells anyway.I'm a Ham radio operator, and this radio is not real high quality. But for the price, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it is made. The tuning knob is smooth; the speaker is only 2 inches but seems bigger. None of the cell phone charging plugs works in my cell phone, so I won't be using that feature. I doubt if it would work very well for that purpose, given how hard it is to charge the tiny internal battery.All in all, a nice little radio!
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    Top reviews from the United States

    • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2021
      This is my second kaito KA500. The first one I bought about 12 years ago. That went through several years of outer banks hurricanes and rough stormy power outages as well as lawn chair duty under the trees. It is still in service, although the NOAA volume is low. The rest of the device is as new.

      So I bought the extra charger, but it’s really an optional accessory. I rarely use it. I usually keep the rechargeable mostly charged and use the alkaline. If you’re in the sun or want to crank it a bit you can keep a mostly topped off rechargeable that way for quite a while. Maybe once a year at most I might drain it and throw it to the wall charger, but again, not imperative.

      This second one is identical. Just the first is green this new one is blue. I like the versatility. Several ways to charge, led lights for when the power is out if you want that. It has several port options so that’s good too. Reception is just fine. You can increase it with a long wire clipped to the radio and hung higher. Not really necessary in my area. The shortwave and AM broadcast are fun to sniff out at night. It’s a good listener. Local FM broadcast stations come in well.

      The crank is effective. The solar is proportional to the size of the cells. They’re not big but they do function. Buy light colored radios only if you plan on sitting it in the sun. A black radio with solar in a blazing sun all day simply is not going to do well. If you wanted to charge the rechargeable from only sun it would take several days pointed at a good sun. Therefore get the light colored models.

      As for me it’s generally an alkaline operation.

      If buy a 3rd one if they’re still for sale in 25 years. I do amateur radio mostly HF and am spoiled with several of the best listening and transmitting radios. For a simple cheap broadcast sw/am/fm/NOAA radio this one does the trick. It’s no piece of junk based on years of time and hours in service.

      Save the box and store it when not being used. That’s why my old one looks like new and the new one will look the same in a decade.
      113 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2009
      Color: BlackVerified Purchase
      I've had this radio for about a week. I wanted to test the hand-cranking feature. I cranked it pretty hard for 2 minutes, 300 turns. It ran for 22 minutes before the "battery low" light came on. After the battery low light came on, it continued to be audible for another 40 minutes, for a total of 1 hour on a charge. At the end, the radio was very quiet, but I could still hear it. I was using the external speaker; it may have lasted even longer had I been using the ear buds. I was rather impressed. Of course the battery performance is sure to go down with use.

      The reading light looks like it would be barely adequate to read by. The flashlight is like the coin size led lights that are worn on key chains. Since it has the reading light, with 5 LEDs, the flashlight really seems useless, although it does have the flashing red mode, which is kind of cool.

      I was quite impressed with the sound and general performance. I was able to bring in some SW stations and receive a lot of AM stations. I don't really listen to FM. The weather band works well. One of the reviews mentions an auxillary antenna that helps short wave reception. My radio doesn't have any such feature.

      I did try the solar cells in bright sunlight and it seemed to work.

      I bought a similar radio from Radio Shack about 8 years ago, a Grundig FR200, and I used the hand crank a lot. It did seem to wear, and stopped turning smoothly, but it still works. I suspect this radio will be the same. The crank seems to squeak when its being turned hard, and I wonder if a shot of WD40 would help.

      I listen to the radio quite a bit, and this is the radio I'm using now. I have NiCad batteries in it. I'm sure they'll work for many hours before needing recharging. Its pretty unlikely that a set of 3 AA batteries will go dead before an emergency has resolved itself, but I like the crank and solar cells anyway.

      I'm a Ham radio operator, and this radio is not real high quality. But for the price, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it is made. The tuning knob is smooth; the speaker is only 2 inches but seems bigger. None of the cell phone charging plugs works in my cell phone, so I won't be using that feature. I doubt if it would work very well for that purpose, given how hard it is to charge the tiny internal battery.

      All in all, a nice little radio!
      Customer image
      5.0 out of 5 stars
      Good sound and reception

      Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2009
      I've had this radio for about a week. I wanted to test the hand-cranking feature. I cranked it pretty hard for 2 minutes, 300 turns. It ran for 22 minutes before the "battery low" light came on. After the battery low light came on, it continued to be audible for another 40 minutes, for a total of 1 hour on a charge. At the end, the radio was very quiet, but I could still hear it. I was using the external speaker; it may have lasted even longer had I been using the ear buds. I was rather impressed. Of course the battery performance is sure to go down with use.

      The reading light looks like it would be barely adequate to read by. The flashlight is like the coin size led lights that are worn on key chains. Since it has the reading light, with 5 LEDs, the flashlight really seems useless, although it does have the flashing red mode, which is kind of cool.

      I was quite impressed with the sound and general performance. I was able to bring in some SW stations and receive a lot of AM stations. I don't really listen to FM. The weather band works well. One of the reviews mentions an auxillary antenna that helps short wave reception. My radio doesn't have any such feature.

      I did try the solar cells in bright sunlight and it seemed to work.

      I bought a similar radio from Radio Shack about 8 years ago, a Grundig FR200, and I used the hand crank a lot. It did seem to wear, and stopped turning smoothly, but it still works. I suspect this radio will be the same. The crank seems to squeak when its being turned hard, and I wonder if a shot of WD40 would help.

      I listen to the radio quite a bit, and this is the radio I'm using now. I have NiCad batteries in it. I'm sure they'll work for many hours before needing recharging. Its pretty unlikely that a set of 3 AA batteries will go dead before an emergency has resolved itself, but I like the crank and solar cells anyway.

      I'm a Ham radio operator, and this radio is not real high quality. But for the price, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it is made. The tuning knob is smooth; the speaker is only 2 inches but seems bigger. None of the cell phone charging plugs works in my cell phone, so I won't be using that feature. I doubt if it would work very well for that purpose, given how hard it is to charge the tiny internal battery.

      All in all, a nice little radio!
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      67 people found this helpful
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    • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023
      Color: GreenVerified Purchase
      Radio is well designed and sound is a little tinny in its nature, but still pleasant to listen to. Short wave doesn't pick up anything and that is disappointing as I was hoping to pick up CBC and BBC America if possible. Display is large and easily read. Batteries are NOT lithium but are instead Nickel Cadmium, which means they will not have the charge/recharge cycle longevity that lithium has.

      Radio has four way power options, which I like, but the winding option takes a lot of winding to charge the unit. Status lights are bright and easily read too. Weather radio is also helpful especially since I'm in a Hurricane prone area. I cannot comment on the power of the flashlight.
      4 people found this helpful
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    • Jaime Silvano
      5.0 out of 5 stars Diverso, gran sonido
      Reviewed in Mexico on August 30, 2024
      Color: BlackVerified Purchase
      Radio sólido, bien pensado y con excelente sonido! Además con todas las vías posibles de alimentación, jamás te dejará abandonado.
    • francisco gava
      1.0 out of 5 stars a qualidade e funcionamento do radio
      Reviewed in Brazil on January 5, 2023
      O radio e por energia solar, porém nâo comporta, ou seja, em funcionamento no sol, a carga que recebe é menor que a utilizada para manter o radio ligado... Ele desliga por falta de energia na bateria, que é muito fraca... Pra funcionar, somente ligado na energia elétrica..
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    • Sam
      5.0 out of 5 stars Power when you need it by winding it up & Charges Cell Phones!
      Reviewed in Canada on May 23, 2022
      Color: YellowVerified Purchase
      This is by far one of the best emergency or hobby/camping type of Short Wave and Weather band Radios that I have ever used. It has a built in light for the display and is easy to use. I plan on buying more of them. I have had other radios that are limited in functions. This one has the most band coverage on shortwave + weather and regular AM/FM radio. It has built in flash light for easily reading the display in the dark and as a flash light or reading lamp. I'm not yet sure how effective the solar panel is but it's nice to have there. I'll be cranking this in most cases and using rechargeable and regular batteries that will work just fine for my needs. I especially like how the cell phone can be charged with this unit very important for long term power outrages. What I would improve on is the tuning it could use a "fine-tune" feature that would be nice, maybe a dual display frequency counter with the analog and a tone control also would be nice but that's about all I can think of that would make it best of the best. If you don't own one already I'd recommend it for sure.
    • Patrick Z.
      2.0 out of 5 stars Nach 3x Benutzung kaputt
      Reviewed in Germany on February 4, 2025
      Color: GreenVerified Purchase
      Das Drehrad zum Einstellen der Frequenzen ist nach wenig Benutzung gebrochen. Die Frequenz kann nicht mehr eingestellt werden. Das Kaito hatte sich von Anfang an für mich recht billig und fragil angefühlt. Vor allem die US-Rezensionen bescheinigten dem Geräte aber immer "built like a tank" und damit recht widerstandsfähig zu sein. Ich hatte vorher ein 10€ Kurbelradio, das war von der Haptik ähnlich und läuft noch. Der hohe Preis ist meiner Meinung nach nicht gerechtfertigt.
    • Kam
      5.0 out of 5 stars When you can’t rely on constant power - this is the radio to get
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2025
      Got this for my uncle who lives in a city in Pakistan. Unfortuntely the have daily power cuts and he loves listening to the radio. What’s also needed is a torch. Well this is a two in one! To be able to power it up by winding it up is just what was needed. The feedback from my uncle has been really postive, he loves the radio - good reception and that in times when the power goes out he can continue to listen to it. Great device.