Customer Reviews

American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (White)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I don't know what radio the other reviewers got, but they certainly couldn't have gotten the same model as I did. What a super disappointment...especially since this radio is supposed to be for emergencies (...see my comments near the bottom of this review). Sure, when it came fully charged from the factory it played (out-of-the-box) 13 hours. BUT, this was probably a charge via 'AC', which, unfortunately, you won't be able to have for a while since there is no AC adapter yet available for this radio. But when it fully dis-charged, and I cranked it for the 90 seconds recommended, I got a whole 20 minutes of 'play time'. (By the way, one of their support guys told me NOT to go much over 90 seconds of cranking, 'or else'...whatever that means.) And, according to that same Microlink tech support person, you'd better be in DIRECT sunlight if you expect it to 'fully charge' in about 5-6 hours...and, according to that same tech support person, going over 6 hours in direct sunlight won't add to the play time, which, according to that same tech support person, is about 2 hours. He also warned me AGAINST 'charging it up' via the sun, and then 'cranking' to try and charge it more. So it seems that a high level of play time is only available via the, as yet unavailable, AC adapter. I was going to try and charge it via the USB port, but according to the manual, you have to leave your computer on for 8 hours! So I didn't even bother. This is supposed to be a radio for emergencies. During most emergencies...which generally means no electricity in your house...who would have 8 hours of computer battery time to charge it up? And even if you charged it up prior to (let's say) a typical "weather emergency", what would you do after the radio plays and then discharges on 'day one' of the emergency? During weather emergencies, it's usually pouring rain for SEVERAL days, so, you're unlikely to get direct, daily sunlight that, if available, could give you a whole 2 hours of play time. If your only other option is the crank, that means you'll get only about 20 minutes of play time from this radio. If this radio accepted batteries, it might have given you an additional, viable, power option during weather emergencies.

Wanted a light, packable radio for hiking over multiple nights (mostly for weather)...clear sound, solar charge works well, tuner not overly sensitive, hand crank not to flimsy either. As advertised.

I have bought a lot of sub-standard kinetic emergency radios and flashlights under 70 dollars, but mostly 20-50 dollar range. I think everyone should reduce their battery buying, buy energy saving products that are safe and excelant for emergencies.
It's very hard to find these kind of products that delivery all that for a reasonable price.
I bought this American Red Cross FR150 Microlink and it is MUCH BETTER than all the others in its price range of 30 dollars, from Amazon. Today I am leaving it in my sunny Ohioan window to listen to the radio. I just realized it played all day long on solar power! I tried the flashlight and though it isn't super bright LED bulb, it is not real weak either. I can go down my dark basement and read the water meter.

Like my other emergency radios I take them out and crank'em to see if they are working well.
OF COURSE IT IS WISE TO ALWAYS TURN OFF WHEN NOT USING.
I have wrecked a couple of Dynamos by not turning off the radio/flashlight...
The crank action seems to be real solid on it, not wimpy like the others I have come across.American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger (White)
Unless you have experience tuning into the weather band, a novice might give up trying to tune in on this item or one like it. I used to give up but now I realize it takes practice and patience to find the weather band forecast.
That is about it. If you are looking for something for emergency purposes or an entry level solar product for a small moderate price, I would recommend this FR150

This is a wonderful product! It's light weight and works very well. Its a great addition to any emergency kit!

Looks great sounds great. Charge with usb in your computer and it will be ready if you need it during thunderstorms, or worse emergencies. It's a keeper.

This product is operating as advertised. My only disappointment was my inability to have a good concept of measurements given...had hoped it would be a little larger, but that is my problem...conceptualization.

Good product with great features. Seems to be well-constructed. Small size is easy to store in an emergency kit. Built-in LED flashlight is good for emergencies but not as bright as a 2 D-cell regular flashlight. Hand-crank recharging feature works well but cable to charge cell phone is not included. Owner must send in coupon with model number of cell phone-good luck finding the model number of your two-year-old cell phone. Reception of weather band broadcasts is not as clear as reception of AM/FM, and is not equal to other weather radios I have owned, otherwise I would rate it as 5 stars.

The unit doesn't come with the necessary parts to charge a cell phone (although the instructions tell you to use a certain piece). When I called the company they admitted they don't include the necessary piece, but promised to send it to me ASAP. AFTER A MONTH AND NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS, WHAT A SURPRISE, NO PIECE ARRIVED! Don't waste your money if you want to use this to charge a cell phone.

gadget is smaller than expected... bought it for emergency purposes.... did a quick run of all its functions and everything seems to work.

I love the product. There is alot in a small radio. I would reccomend this to a friend and have.