This is the SHTF radio you want - Ever since we experienced extreme weather and I came to the realization of how vulnerable we are to power failures and other worse things, I've been looking for a 'backup' radio that would work with alternate power sources and pickup both weather & shortwave bands. Some of the more expensive radios have apparently degenerated into cheap junk with a fancy name on them. Not so with this one. I was so pleasantly surprised when it came. It is really nice, very well designed, surprisingly compact (expected it to seem more bulky).

This radio can be powered five ways: Crank power (rechargeable batteries included), 3 AA batteries (not included - I recommend Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium Batteries 4 Pack), Solar power (via the solar panel on the back), AC power (via the AC converter which is not included, but I ordered one with the radio - Kaito AD500 AC Adapter for Kaito Voyager Series Radios), and one can also run this radio via a USB cable (not included) from one's computer! If that doesn't get you up and running, things are really bad.

This radio also has very functional reading lights on the back of the solar panel, and a good little flashlight built in. I always thought such features seemed a little silly, but these work really well, and they do make sense - if one's power's out, one doesn't need to be fumbling around a lot - it's all right here with the radio. Use the little flashlight on this radio to find your 600 Lumen Zombiekiller light. The radio does include several adapters and a wire antenna to enhance the shortwave capability (if you want a reel-wire antenna for it too, here is one Kaito Radio antenna, T1). I haven't messed with the shortwave much yet, so after I have tried the included wire antenna I'll know better if I want to get the reel antenna - one reviewer says it's not at all necessary, and that the wire antenna works just fine, so we'll see).

Highly recommended! Great little radio. (April 28, 2012)

Nice radio - Got this for my 72 year old mother as a gift. She asked for something like this since the power went out at her place last year. She loves it. I was afraid that it was either too cheaply made that the handle would snap, or that it would be too hard to crank for her, but neither was true. Works great, and she actually loves to crank the thing to charge it. The stations come in strong and clear. Actually thinking about getting one for myself. (December 29, 2011)