• Comments (8)

    • 3
      no name - December 26, 2020

      is there anyone taking gen test for HAM radio soon anyone studying henderson nv. namvet

    • 10
      greggorievich - December 27, 2020

      I’ve been looking for an AM/FM/SW/WX radio for a while, and was actually not far off from requesting this as an article because it was a big hurdle to get enough  knowledge clumped together to start any good research.

      I have one minor hang up here, though. Amazon is infested with Chinese made garbage with no quality control and nonsense word brands. I know for sure Baofeng is one of those brands (often considered worth the low quality because of the price), but Yaesu (not mentioned in the article, but a brand I know of) isn’t even though it sounds like it is. I know Eton/Grundig used to be decent quality but they’re mass produced and have a ton of issues now. It’s likely that CountyComm’s radio is something made offshore but tested by their staff and deemed acceptable.

      Can anyone decode as to whether C. Crane in particular, and/or the other brands mentioned/recommended in the article are real brands, or Chinese nonsense-word brands?

      • 8
        Josh CentersContributor - December 28, 2020

        C. Crane has been based out of California since 1976 and they are legit. They used to advertise on Art Bell back in the day. I think their radios are made in China, but they’re good quality.

      • 3
        greggorievich - December 28, 2020

        Thank you! I’ll be sure to add this to the wishlist, then.

    • 7
      Bob - January 9, 2021

      Like much else, radio selection is based on requirements and prep philosophy.

      My focus is evacuation and for my situation this means a radio that’s light weight, small and battery powered. I require AM-FM-SW and do not rely on NOAA for weather and the misc alerts.  My time is precious for an evac.

      I carry the Grundig M-400, the smallest in weight and volumn of their series.  In it’s case, it’s ~ size of a pack of cigarettes.  I do not use the case but wrap radio in a wash cloth (multi-functional item philosophy). The M-400 uses 2 AAA batteries.  Channel selection is by dial.  I avoid push buttons to the max.

      A “better” Grundig for reception and channels is the slightly larger, slightly heavier Mini-300.  At less than 5 oz. it uses 2 AA batteries and has a large antenna. 

      My M-400 meets my requirements and provides the same required reception as a more powerful and more costly Sony 12 channel portable. 

      Part of my prep philosophy:  An evac causes stress. NOAA weather reports duplicate, for the basics, area AM stations’ weather reports.  I learned meteorology in the Army when arriving at Ft Lewis, Washington.  During the formation was told by the senior NCO: “If you can see Mt Rainier, it is going to rain.  If you cannot see Mt Rainier, it is raining”. 

      • 6
        Gideon ParkerStaff - January 9, 2021

        I keep my ham radio in an old sock in my EDC bag. A wash cloth sounds like a bit better idea though for the dual purposes that you mentioned. Thanks for the suggestion! 

    • 1
      Gideon ParkerStaff - December 24, 2021

      Copy and pasting a comment from Sbesch on another forum thread:

      Another recommendation I’d add for weather-related emergencies would be a weather alert radio. Lots of lists include a radio that picks up weather bands, but they’re only effective if you’re actively monitoring those bands (and who stays awake all night to do that?). If you live anywhere that severe weather could threaten you and your family, a radio with an effective alert system (i.e., that will wake you up in the middle of the night if a tornado is approaching) is critical. I personally like the Sangean CL-100 – it’s not cheap, but it has important programming features that let you dial alerts in for your immediate area and screen out false alarms (the biggest reason people often turn off their alert systems – like pulling the batteries from their smoke detectors). It’s the best $60 you’ll ever spend if it gives you enough warning to get to your storm shelter or safe room.

    • 3
      WaryMoose - August 15, 2022

      For anyone with a Kaito KA500 or KA600 radio, check out this simple mod you can do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwih6htDxoo

      By default, the Kaito radios have two separate battery compartments: one for an included battery pack, and another for your AA batteries. The solar panel, hand crank, and power bank functions only work with the former, not the latter.

      This mod lets you ditch the (probably poor quality) generic Chinese rechargeable battery pack, and run the radio fully off your high quality Eneloops. The solar panel and crank charger will recharge your Eneloops, and you’ll be able to use your Eneloops as a power bank.

      Do keep in mind though that you must never use non-rechargeable batteries while using this mod.

      I wish this could also be done with the smaller Kaito Voyager V2, but it doesn’t seem possible, at least without opening it up and messing with the internal electronics.

      • 1
        Frank Sampson - August 15, 2022

        That looks like a quality radio, and after that modification makes it work even better!