American Red Cross MICROLINK FR160 Emergency Radio by Etón (review)

I review the following product created by the Etón corporation:
http://etoncorp.com/product_card/?p_ProductDbId=916255

In short it is an attractive, glorified portable radio with several innovative features that promote its functionality to that of a valuable tool.

* AM/FM/NOAA radio receiver
* 3 LED flashlight
* Standard USB port for powering external devices, e.g. mobile phones
* Dynamo for crank charging
* Solar panel for sun charging

Their youtube channel is here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/etoncorp

Their promotional video for the radio I review is here (CG):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mcVmbB5ksU

Retail is $30. I bought this radio with my own money, I was not asked by the company, nor was I paid to conduct this review. Considering what you get, I think it's well worth it. Not to mention, it's very well made.

I actually found out about it here on youtube, but didn't buy one until I got to try it out in person at a local hardware store. Overall I liked it so much that I decided to do a comprehensive review.

This is the kind of empowering, multifunction device utilizing 'renewable' energy that I'd like to see more of in the world. The design could probably use a little refinement but overall I give this version a solid B plus.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Etón
• eton
• American Red Cross
• MICROLINK
• FR160
• Emergency
• Radio
• solar
• dynamo
• charger
• flashlight
• USB
• review
• renewable

[Hrcoprco]

You are one of those guys that complains about everything. Sorry but you don't diserve that radio. You'll probably brake it on purpose and than say that it has bad quality.

[neotoy]

@Hrcoprco WTH? It's still in one piece, still working fine. It's a critical review, so what? I don't bend over backwards to lick corporate jackboot like most of the wankers here on youtube. Where did that attitude come from bro? You on the Etón payroll or something?

[METALMAN4Wii]

Just wondering does the radio on yours die in 10 minutes after it being in the window charging all day because mine does that...?

[neotoy]

@METALMAN4Wii Yes, once the battery is drained for the first time you will notice a dramatic shortening of operational time, whether you crank it or just leave it in the sun. Obviously the solar panel is very small so you can't really expect it to charge the radio for more than a few minutes.. unless you left it in the sun for weeks.

[METALMAN4Wii]

@neotoy I just love how Eton lies and saids 3-5 hours after being charged in the window 8 hours.  also I noticed the battery is very similar to a cordless phone one so maybe it can be fully charged. if it's put into a phone and left to charge on the cradle/base for a couple hours....?

[neotoy]

@METALMAN4Wii I doubt they had an electrical engineer run tests. It's pretty standard procedure for corporations to use theoretical upper limits when outlining a product's capabilities. Things just don't work like that in the real world. Can't really call it lying, just a lack of due diligence.

As you surmised the battery pack is generic, and could be easily charged in a compatible phone.

[MyPoison77]

thanks for the review bro!!! and dont listen to those who want you put you down! you`r awsome bro! have an awsome day!! Danny

[OutdoorNTx]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[nifepartie]

Do you think the flashlight is strong enough to kill a Mogwai?

[winnipegdiver]

I have two ETON radios this one and the Scorpion and like them both very much

I nor my 10 yr old son have any trouble using the buttons or knobs on the FR160 for what it is it's a great little radio

[Hrcoprco]

@Wikipunani

I think that isn't the case with etons products. It stamps red cross on its radios and flashlamps for marketing purposes and red cross agreed because they get 50cents for each radio or flashlight sold. Red Cross doesnt control the quality of etons products.

I ordered this radio and eton scorpion which was damaged when I received it and microlink holds up preaty good. Problem is battery life, which is guarantied 5 years and you have to crank the radio every 3 months by instructions.

[Wikipunani]

@Hrcoprco Anything with the American Red Cross moniker associated with it MUST set the bar higher than other products.

For instance, I see no shock absorption measures on the outside of the unit, and the photovoltaic strip is enemic. The speaker holes aren't shielded in any way from water spray and neither are the majority of other ways water might enter the unit.

My advice, American Red Cross?

Reroll.

[kol12345100]

Am_FM_WB selection is not intuitive as 2 selection buttons is not ok. The tuner selection is difficult too, dialing in stations takes softly tapping the button . I'm keeping it, but not worth the price.

[markklilly]

@neotoy or lying to get you to buy there product,  how ever you want to look at it