Some crystal set users added a carbon amplifier or a mechanical turntable amplifier to give enough output to operate a speaker.

It transmitted clearer sound with less static than the analog radios, possibly due to having one of the longest telescoping antennas (23 inches, compared to an average of 16 inches for the group) and because it locked in on the signal wavelength with greater precision. The Eton FRX3+ is larger than most of the radios we’ve seen, which does mean the solar panel charges slower than other models, but the rugged build and carrying handle make it one of our favorites. In addition to its signal sensitivity, it offers the added benefit of storing enough electricity to boost a cell phone charge. I have a plastic pillar for my car, that was missing the top part, so I used the pillar from the opposite side of the car, to mold a new top.The NOAA CR1009 Emergency Radio is feature-packed and has a huge rechargeable battery making it the top pick of our review roundup. We started by recording the physical dimensions and weight of each radio and charging the batteries. The radio is quite compact (just under 8-inches long and weighing just over one pound), and the integrated handle makes it easy to carry.

If you need a radio that will keep you informed in a survival situation, one of our suggestions will help keep you up to speed. Emergency radios with housed antennas may be tough and durable, but you need to be able to receive the emergency communications or the radio is essentially useless.With the added Bluetooth and phone charging capabilities, this is a great device to also take camping, or in some cases, one of the best emergency radios for preppers. Enjoy the durability of the MMR-88 while experiencing some of the key features that help make this part radio, part emergency beacon. I left it outside before charging it otherwise, and it was quickly charged with the help of the sun. Tuned radio frequency sets (TRF sets) were the most popular class of early radio, primarily because the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) had a monopoly on the superheterodyne circuit patents and it was more profitable for companies to jump into radio manufacturing TRF sets. The radio display hosts color-coded alert indicators, and can even be toggled through three different languages — English, Spanish, or French.

Chrysler and Philco announced an all-transistor car radio in the April 28, 1955, edition of the Wall Street Journal. BC (medium wave/"AM") only radios like the "All American 5" design, and later AM/FM radios with more tubes, and even televisions were built using the same idea, because of the simplicity and low cost possible. The micro USB charges the battery in 6 hours; spinning the hand crank for 1 minute provides up to 30 minutes of flashlight time or 6 minutes of radio.

When these lights drain the battery, a few minutes spent spinning the hand crank can have them back up and running.

Consequently, there was a significant amount of hostility by neighbors of "regen" set users over maladjusted radios transmitting squealing noises and blocking reception on nearby properties.With no automatic alert function built into the lightweight travel companion, you may need to keep this tuned — thankfully it has the power to do so — when concerned about incoming weather or hazards. Emergency radios are capable of AM, FM, and weather-band frequencies from the National Weather Service.