After a recent conversation among friends over choosing a portable all-band radio suitable for emergencies. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Features to Consider:
Receive-only: This conversation focuses on radios that can only receive signals, not transmit.
NOAA weather radio: This band provides National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts for your area.
Portable: The radio should be small and lightweight for easy carrying.
Power options: Ideally, the radio should have multiple ways to be powered in case of emergencies. Options include:
Solar panel: Converts sunlight into electricity to power the radio.
Crank charger: Generates electricity by manually cranking a lever.
USB charging: Allows charging via a USB cable and power bank.
Radio Options:
Tecsun PL-660: (Not mentioned in the conversation, but a popular option) This radio covers a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, shortwave, and the NOAA weather bands. It has a built-in solar panel, crank charger, and internal battery.
Radioddity Raddy RF919: This scanner covers a wide range of frequencies from DC to 1 GHz. It does not have a built-in solar panel or crank charger, but it can be charged via USB.
Icom IC-R15: This is a more affordable version of the Icom R30, covering frequencies up to 500 MHz. It can be charged via USB but does not have a built-in solar panel or crank charger. Consider buying a used Icom R30 on eBay for wider frequency coverage (up to 3 GHz).
Malachite SDR: This is a software-defined radio that can receive a very wide range of frequencies. It is a good choice for hobbyists but may be more complex to use for emergencies. There are cheaper Chinese knockoffs available, but they may have quality issues.
Additional Considerations:
Built-in solar panels on portable radios are often small and may not provide enough power to rely on solely in an emergency.
Consider the size and weight of the radio when choosing a portable option.