Home > Consumer Reviews > American Red Cross FR300 Emergency Radio, White

Sounds to me like the folks who had a beef with this radio must have been looking for $300 quality in a $50 radio. I've been really pleased with this unit and its pretty incredible array of features.

I will concur that the plastic on the unit is not the most-durable feeling material, but it's certainly sufficient. Plus it comes with a nice little nylon case to protect it and carry it, so that more than makes up for it.

First, the quality of the TV and AM reception is superb. I love talk radio, but hate the constant fade in/out. This unit does much better than any radio I have -- a couple of which are pretty expensive -- on picking up weak signals.

The sound quality also is good for the size of the unit. Clear, good quality sound that's easy to hear and not tinny.

The plastic is lightweight, which doesn't feel so great, but it does make the unit easy to carry. And a minute of cranking generates plenty of listening time. The three-LED light array is plenty bright and a great little area light in case of emergency. The variety of power sources make this a no-brainer for emergency use -- cranking, built-in rechargeables, alkaline or lithium AAs or a power adapter, if you want to buy one.

Here's what I found best though. I use a Palm Treo, so the unit didn't come with a charging tip that would fit it. I contacted the company, Eton, by e-mail to inquire if I could purchase one somewhere. Within a few hours, they responded to say that not only was there now a Palm tip available, they would provide me one at no cost. So terrific customer service.

If you want a really thorough review of this product, I suggest you visit thetravelinsider.info. I think he's spot-on with his assessment.

Great, fun little unit -- great value. I highly recommend.

My wife and I used the FR300 during the week-long Queens blackout this past summer and this little radio delivered. One 2 minute winding lasted for an hour on medium volume. The cell phone charger is cool, but it takes a lot of winding. The light is good in a pinch, but not particularly useful.

I had a crank radio since 1999, and it finally gave out this year. I was excited to find this one at a decent price, and with the added bonus of a cell phone emergency charger! The adapters fit most phones, and it's just good to know that wherever you are, you can make a phone call even with a dead phone battery. I read some reviews about a difficulty getting the battery case open, but I had absolutely no problem with it. Yes, it would be great if it came with an AC adapter (and I wouldn't have it without); I just rigged up my own with a Wal Mart universal power supply for $15.00. It takes 4.5 -5 volts. It runs for HOURS after charging it with an adapter. Reception has been good, not only in northern Wisconsin, but in Illinois as well. NPR is great! and who really needs the TV stations! (though I do get one once in a while).Anyway, I recommend it!

I noticed that both of the negative reviews were written by owners in Hawaii. I agree that there are problems with getting a long charge out here. When I first got the radio, I got about 45 minutes with two minutes of cranking; after six months, two minutes of cranking got six minutes of radio time. I suspect our tropical climate is more the problem than the radio's dynamo. I've put batteries in mine (rechargeable, of course) and have had great reception, even inside buildings that usually interfere with reception. I can also receive several TV stations with no problem, and the National Weather Service channel comes through loud and clear. I really like this radio, and it was my constant companion during the earthquake. I just need to make sure I'm proactive and keep the AA batteries charged up so it's ready in an emergency.

This is a handy little gadget that is a perfect gift for anyone in the country - including yourself. We ordered one for Christmas last year for everyone on our list. It has EVERY THING you'll need in various weather conditions.

alienface