Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Emergency Flashlight, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger

by Quake Kare

Product Description

The unit uses a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery: a rechargeable battery that has the ability of recharging over 500 times. This remarkable radio and light recharges these batteries using either the hand crank and/or solar panel to charge them. You can simply charge the battery in the sun, charge it in artificial light, or charge it using the hand crank. After the battery has been fully charged and discharged, one minute of hand cranking produces 10 minutes of play. The radio is compact with dimensions of 7-1/2 inches in width, 5-1/2 inches in height, and 2-1/2 inches in depth. To charge in car, 4.5 volt DC auto lighter can be purchased separately.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0007CL02S
• Item model number: 6NQK
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,024 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

179 of 179 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good idea but mediocre execution and poor support, September 23, 2005

By 

Auggie Worldwise (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Emergency Flashlight, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger

I bought one for emergencies, to have in case of blackout or earthquake. I was hoping the light would be bright enough so I could use it to pass the time by reading. Even at full charge it's not that bright, and after about 2 hours, the light drops off drastically. The radio only picks up the most powerful stations.

Don't lose the box!!!!! It features important operating instructions like "DON'T CHARGE THE BATTERY FOR MORE THAN 5 HOURS", and "DON'T WIND THE DYNAMO FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES" and "ALWAYS KEEP THE SWITCH AT SOLAR POSITION UNLESS USE THE OTHER TWO POSITIONS." These things are pretty important because they either drain the battery or wreck it. This is essential operating info. I used a Sharpie to write these instructions on the bottom of the lantern. It's not pretty, but at least I don't have to keep the box handy and I don't have to worry about wrecking the thing because I forgot the instructions.

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable During Power Outages, January 19, 2007

By 

Calamity Jane - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Emergency Flashlight, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger

I purchased a similar crank radio/light in 1999 (cosmetic appearance is slightly different and mine doesn't have the cell phone charger), just prior to the Y2K scare. It has proved itself invaluable during power outages - something that plagues my area. There's no need to worry about getting caught without batteries.

After cranking this product for one minute I get 20 - 30 minutes of radio, which is better than the manufacturer's statement of "ten".

This radio isn't as clear as other radios. There's always a very slight, but constant static in the background no matter where I go or how I tune the dial. However, the comfort of having a radio that never needs batteries far outweighs this quirk. It's definitely an emergency-only radio, not something you'd want to listen to if you have another option.

The flashlight is an extra bonus, but it's a weak light even when fully charged. Again, it's strictly for emergency use. You can't beat the assurance that it will work for weeks/months if necessary.

The case is rugged and sturdy, yet lightweight. The bright yellow color stands out. The thick handle makes it easy and comfortable to carry.

I used this a few years ago when the power went out for four days. Cranking the handle every 30 minutes does get tiresome after a while. This is why the solar power panel is important. Stick this unit in a window. The sun will recharge it in a few hours. No cranking.

If you prefer using batteries, they pop in easily. Mine runs for a long, long time on a couple of AA.

The panel on the front shows you where to place the level for solar, cranking and DC charging. It's easy to use and understand. I've never tried the DC charger.

I love this radio/light so much that I bought a second one to keep in my car's trunk.

Despite the weak light and slight static I have to issue this unit five stars. I really don't know what I would do without it when the power goes out for days.

UPDATE for MAY 2011...I still have this radio. It's working as well as it did the day I purchased it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, December 21, 2008

By 

Christina Hudson (Wilmington, DE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Emergency Flashlight, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger

This item is MUCH SMALLER than expected. The light is not as bright, not solar powered at all but radio works well in my area. It will come in handy if there is a power outage but would not buy this product again.