Emergency radio

An emergency radio is, broadly speaking, a radio receiver designed to remain functional in cases of power outage or isolation from contact with civilization. Such radios are often designed to run on minimal or no power sources.

Emergency radios (all but the least expensive) are generally designed to cover more than just the standard AM and FM broadcasting bands; basic shortwave radio coverage (for situations where local radio is out or not available) is common, as well as weather radio in countries that provide that service.

Common to all emergency radios is the need to maintain power as long as possible in times of power failure. Commonly, such radios are designed to use minimal battery power, and a common feature (especially on units sold in less-developed countries where electrical supplies may be unreliable or nonexistent) is a hand-cranked electrical generator along with a rechargeable battery to store the generated energy (the device is sometimes known as a clockwork radio). A few, such as the Blackout Buddy from Eton Corporation, are designed to recharge from wall current.

External links

* [http://www.freeplayenergy.com A UK-based manufacturer of hand-cranked radios for the international market]
* [http://www.etoncorp.com Manufacturer of emergency and shortwave radio sets]