Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

The build quality of the radio is good, although it is worth mentioning that it is not weather proof. The internal rechargeable battery does not hold a charge, either by charging it via an outlet, solar, or hand crank. I charged the battery via outlet for 3 days, and left it unplugged for less than 12 hours before the radio died. This might be due to a defective battery,[...] Additionally, the reception on the radio is variable. You get great reception outdoors, but the quality diminishes once indoors. Overall, I would suggest looking at a different weather radio.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

I went through two of these radios. I was never able to charge the battery using either the solar panel or crank. I was never able to get shortwave, AM, or FM. While the weatherbands lit up I was not able to get a signal. Simply put: I wanted a radio with these features but I don't have time to keep hunting for one of these that works.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

Took it back the next day. Antenna pulled out first try & only extnds a few inches. Knobs too stiff & jerkey to tune properly.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

At first I didn't like the product. The battery would not hold a charge (like others mentioned) and I couldn't get FM or AM (like others mentioned). Then I made an amazing discover... read the manual. I had not realized that the internal rechargeable battery that comes with it does NOT come connected. After I connected the wire I was able to crank it for a few minutes and get AM/FM (seems to require more power than the weatherband). I like the digital tuning (I have the older version which requires manual tuning and I hated it). I bought this one for my brother and I'll be getting one for myself shortly. I can't really evaluate how well the solar works first hand yet (although my brother has not complained which is a good thing since he'll complain about any small details that bother him).

I like how there is a LED which lights up when the solar is actively charging. It's also nice that you can charge via USB port so you can leave it plugged into your computer to charge so you don't need to crank if if you're lazy. It can also run off of standard batteries. It also has a USB port built it so you can use it to charge your iphone/blackberry etc.

All in all, a neat little product.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

The internal gears that were part of the crank mechanism stripped out the first week I had it. Good concept, poor parts and design. Do not waste your money.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

[...] I suppose it's a hit or miss with this radio but I guess I got the diamond in the rough. I am extremely pleased with this radio and I have taken it on many trips to the mountains. For the radio stations I listen to, they came in great indoors and out. When you buy the radio, you order a free cell phone charging tip...the cell phone charging isn't going to win any prizes there but it totally works if you are willing to sit there and crank the dynamo for a while. While I am the only 5 star review as opposed to five 1 star reviews I would recommend this to a friend. It's cheap so if it does end up breaking after a year, oh well...find the best rated one for that year and run with it.

Comments about Eton FR500 Solarlink Radio - '09 Overstock:

Bought this for our emergency preparedness gear, but was very disappointed. Solar charging doesn't work at all! It will play using solar power only if there is very strong light. Low quality sound. Would not want to have to depend on this if there was a real emergency.