It’s always a good idea to be prepared for an emergency and this multifunction, hand-sized gadget from Eton makes it easy. Called the FR150 Microlink, it features a radio, a flashlight and a cell phone charger and powers the lot with either solar energy, or good ol’ fashioned hand-cranking.
Like Energizer’s new solar charger we saw recently, this gadget would also be ideal for adventurous types when going camping. The built-in cell phone charger will make sure you’ve always got some battery life to call for help should you need it, plus you’ll never have to worry about carrying extra batteries for a flashlight.
The hand crank will provide you with a virtually unlimited source of power to get through an emergency or blackout. It can apparently recharge the FR150’s battery in less than 2 minutes, which can get you as much as 20-30 mins of radio play. If there’s some sun about, the solar panel on top will also contribute and help keep you charged up.
The radio receives AM/FM/Weatherband stations so you can stay informed during an emergency and the flashlight uses bright LEDs, to help you get around when the lights go out. The unit measures a small 4.96″ (126cm) x 2.36″ (60mm) x 1.81″ (46mm) which could even be used as a day-to-day portable radio in sunnier climes.
The Eton FR150 Microlink is available on Amazon.com for $30 and is available in green, blue, black or orange. It has received mostly glowing reviews, though some customers have pointed out that you must send in the registration card in order to get the cell phone adapters.
Sources:
Eton and Amazon.com
Sami says:
February 9th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
That would even be good for camping. Would make a really nice attribute to any camper due to all the multi-functions it has. This is definitely a great idea, and reasonably priced too!
Sami
http://envirowatchers.blogspot.com/
Ellen says:
February 9th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
This emergency radio is a great product. for camping or in case of loss of power or worse. I’m buying them for all my children to keep in their cars along with an LED flashlight
I didn’t find the light on the radio bright enough, so I would recommend you also get the Zoom-Lite tactical LED flashlight from LEDinsider dot com too. then you’re really protected against whatever might come up.
Hope none of us ever need it but I’ll sure rest easier having the radio and Zoom-Lite flashlight in my emergency kit.
kurye says:
July 21st, 2009 at 8:03 am
thank you markstechnologynews.com
Babar Jan says:
August 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I won Eton Microlink FR150 in LOTERY ON THE STALL OF AMARICAN RED CROSS IN SOLFERINO(ITALY) IT IS A VERY GOOD PRODUCT AND CAN HELP IN EMERGENCY AND THE RADIO IS FIT FOR CAMPING AND ENJOYMENT
mirana says:
May 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
perfect article. thank you