REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and CanadaCall 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • InternationalCall 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio
greenzoomZoom image

Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio

Item # 791975

$30.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

1.

2. Qty

3.

Product Rating
Share It
Bookmark and share Bookmark and share

Small but mighty, the Eton Microlink FR160 multipurpose radio keeps you informed and prepared for emergencies or travel.

  • Convenient power options include full-time power via hand crank, solar panel and rechargeable NiMH battery pack
  • Built-in USB cell phone charger breathes life into most brands of cell phone batteries (USB cord not included)
  • Internal rechargeable NiMH battery pack stores power generated from dynamo hand crank, solar panel or USB port (USB cord not included)
  • Handy flashlight features 3 bright white LEDs for a dependable source of light when the power is out
  • 3.5mm earphone jack allows easy private listening with headphones (headphones not included)
  • FM/AM radio receiver can also tune in all 7 NOAA weather channels
  • Telescoping antenna for FM reception; internal ferrite antenna for AM reception
  • Analog tuning knobs on side offer smooth dialing to zero in on finicky signals; full-range monophonic front speaker serves up clear sound reproduction
  • Includes owner's manual

Imported.

Item 791975

Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio Specs

Specification

Description

Weight8.5 ounces
Dimensions5.25 x 2.5 x 1.75 inches
RechargeableYes

Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio
 
4.3

(based on 6 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (4)
  • Consistent performance (3)
  • Durable (3)
  • Easy to configure (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Travel (5)
    • Portable devices (4)
    • Home (3)
    • In the car (3)
    • Primary use:
    • Personal (4)

    Reviewed by 6 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-6

    Back to top

    (9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    pretty good emergency radio

    By The Dude

    from Eugene, OR

    About Me Gearhead, Practical

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Easy Controls
    • Good Sound
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • No AC power input
    • Short Battery Life

    Best Uses

    • For emergencies
    • Home Use
    • Travel

    Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

    I saw this on the rack at REI and then returned to purchase it after seeing the positive reviews from another online vendor. My somewhat-limited experience with this radio tends to corroborate the other reviewers; it is a nicely-made, modestly-priced little portable radio that is ideal for situations where electrical power is unavailable. AM, FM, and weather band reception is good, but I haven't gotten anything off the shortwave bands. However, the shortwave might function better outside or near a window. I noticed the tuner does drift a bit after a couple of minutes of operation. Sound quality is about what I expected, that is, on par with cheap portable radios--okay for AM and not especially delightful on FM music broadcasts. The flashlight function is a bit old-fashioned as LEDs go, being bluish and a little dim, but that's forgivable given the price of the radio.

    Two minor irritants regarding this particular model: one, the battery pack is a tiny NiMH cordless-phone type, but it resides in a housing large enough to accommodate two AA batteries. The manufacturer should have shipped these radios with a pair of "hybrid" NiMH AA batteries with much longer battery life instead of using the dinky little battery pack. The other shortcoming of this radio is the lack of an A/C jack for running and charging the radio off A/C power.

    People familiar with the Eton brand know that they are a good manufacturer that strives to make practical radios. Despite the oversights I mentioned above, this radio is typical of Eton's high standards, and for its size and price, I know of no other as good as this one for what it does.

    • Gift:
    • No

    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Very Reliable Radio

    By Excelsior

    from Loveland, CO

    About Me Enthusiast

    Pros

    • Consistent Performance
    • Durable
    • Easy To Configure
    • Easy To Use
    • Great Tuning

    Cons

    • Diff Cell Phone Charging
    • Difficult to Crank

    Best Uses

    • Hiking
    • Home
    • In The Car
    • Portable Devices
    • Travel

    Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

    This radio is the best of all the different radios I've had before. I had to return the others due to broken parts or poor reception. It gets great reception. It has an excellent LED light to guide you through dark areas. I love it.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • Primary use:
    • Personal

    (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Fine radio, small battery

    By gadlen

    from San Francisco, CA

    Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

    "The Dude" mentions in his review that the battery housing could fit two AA batteries. I looked (with an eye for performing this upgrade) and unfortunately the internal housing is only large enough for the 3 2/3 AA batteries that it comes with, 350 mah total. Of course, one could start cutting into the plastic but...

    It's a good little radio. It's a bother that it has no external power input, though it's an inexpensive radio.

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Good for emergencies/power outages

    By King Jason

    from Portland, Or

    About Me Enthusiast

    Pros

    • Easy To Configure
    • Easy To Use

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • In The Car
      • Portable Devices
      • Travel

      Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

      Great radio if you are just keeping it around for emergencies. The AM/FM channels come in clear and the LED flashlight works good enough for a back up. The only time I would ever use it for music is in a tent, assuming I was somewhere I could get a signal. I found it needs a lot of antenna adjustment to get the weather band channel to come in clear, especially in doors. I also find it a little "shady" that the box says it will charge your cell phone, and once you get the radio home and open it the instructions describe 15-20 minutes of cranking for 1 minute of cell phone usage.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • Primary use:
      • Personal
       
      5.0

      Works well

      By Herb Disaster

      from Atlantic Beach FL

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Consistent Performance
      • Easy To Use
      • Good Reception

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Disaster
        • Home
        • Portable Devices
        • Travel

        Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

        Tested the radio all day working in the yard. Solar power kept it going all day, and weather and FM radio reception great.

        • Gift:
        • Yes
        • Primary use:
        • Personal
         
        5.0

        Great Radio+Bonus Football box

        By Wild Italian Backpacker

        from Arcata, CA

        About Me Power User

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Consistent Performance
        • Durable
        • Easy To Configure
        • Easy To Use
        • The box is a football

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Home
          • In The Car
          • Portable Devices
          • Travel

          Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:

          Great Radio. Perfect reception. The best part is the box is a perfect indoor football

          • Gift:
          • No
          • Primary use:
          • Personal

          Displaying reviews 1-6

          Back to top

          Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio Related Items

          Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits

          Members are eligible for an annual refund on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.

          Add an REI membership to my order.

          How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

          • Shopping Cart 
          • |
          •  
          • Buy REI Gift Cards
          • REI Gift Cards
          • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
          • Buy now!
          • Join REI today!
          • REI Membership
          • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
          • Join REI today!
          • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
          • and get 15% off selected items!
          • Store Locator
          • Locate an REI store near you.