
$30.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 791975
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 8.5 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.25 x 2.5 x 1.75 inches |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
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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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
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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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Eton Microlink FR160 Multipurpose Radio:
Great Radio. Perfect reception. The best part is the box is a perfect indoor football
Displaying reviews 1-6
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