Solar Crank Radio
When there are storms, earthquakes, and all types of potential natural calamities, one of the first things a household may lose is electrical power. Almost all appliances and gadgets depend on electricity for power and there is no way of knowing when a disaster may hit. Preparedness is the key to survival during times like these and one of the most important gadgets that are used to survive and keep track of these situations is a radio.
Most radios are powered either by cable to outlet or battery. The only problem is, when there is no electric power source, or one has run out of emergency batteries, these radio units are rendered virtually useless. In a scenario like this, the solar crank radio takes center stage in terms of practicality and functionality.
Most solar-powered radios are equipped with solar cell batteries for recharging and storing power. Most of these have hinged solar panels so that they can be adjusted according to the availability of sunlight in order to recharge fully.
They also have built-in hand crank handles to generate their own electricity in case of the absence of power sources on a very cloudy day. These radios are self-sufficient in the sense that they can generate their own power during emergency situations. There are many solar crank radios that may also be powered with regular batteries as well as cable to electric source outlets to recharge the Ni MH battery pack.
Most of these radios are also equipped to receive several bands of radio signals. Standard radio bands like AM and FM are common in these units, and they can tune in quickly to short wave frequencies that allow the user access to local radio stations during emergencies. Some units have built in antennae, while others have antennae that uncoil and string out across the room for better reception. Although the radio frequencies from short wave local radio stations may be difficult to access during the day, nighttime radio reception is best as there is less interference.
Various solar crank radios are sold with different features as well. There are those that are manufactured and sold with built-in reading lights, flashlights, or even sirens for alerting rescue teams. Modern version solar crank radio units also come with built-in USB cellular phone/mp3 player chargers. There are even radios that are available on the market with separate accessories, such as emergency hand crank flashlights.
Radio receivers, regardless whether they can receive AM or FM stations, are essential for families and individuals who have been hit badly by calamities and find themselves stuck in shelters with no communication from the outside world. With all the modern gadgets that are available today, the simplest and most practical are the essentials to survival. 