|
I charged up the battery for about 5 hours before traveling for a week. At that point, I was going to send the whole thing back, but decided to test it further before doing so.I charged the internal lithium ion battery overnight using a charging adaptor that I have at 4-volts. If you are looking for something rugged, this is not it. Lo and behold, it worked and has been continuously running now for over 3 hours. I wonder if charging with the adapter first had something to do with waking up the internal battery. Since it is claimed that a good li-ion battery will hold 90% of its charge for ten years, has no "memory effect", lasts so much longer than nickel-hydride and alkaline batteries, and is environmentally friendly, this is the way to go for an emergency radio just as it is the way to go for all other battery operated devices.
The charging adapter is not supplied and Kaito, the manufacturer, recommends no more than a 5-volt charger.The radio was turned on and is now still going strong 18 hours later on the internal lithium ion battery. After about three minutes of cranking, the radio played for about 30 seconds.Then I opened the battery compartment (a tedious procedure requiring a tiny screw driver) and the battery terminals fell out rendering alternate battery operation useless. The manual states that if alternate batteries are used, the radio and all its other functions will run off those batteries only. However, reception on AM is very good.on FM, it is fair.
The 8-led diffused reading light is even more powerful and more than adequate for reading. Kaito got at least one thing right.Tuning in stations is tricky due to the very small tuning knob with black on black markings (almost invisible even in day light). It lights up our entire living room.Until the battery runs down, the solar function cannot be tested, the dynamo crank cannot be retested, and the cell phone charger has no instructions.The quality of the construction of this radio leaves much to be desired. However, I am really impressed with li-ion technology and would keep the radio, if it were not for the lack of weather channels. The case is made of inexpensive shiny plastic.
(For an emergency radio, FM is nice, but not necessary. At any rate, I'll wait until it dies and test out the solar function.just might keep this baby.----------------------------------------------------------FORGET IT. However, for an emergency radio, this one has NO WEATHER CHANNELS).The 5-led flashlight is powerful and will light up an entire room. NO way is this radio weather resistant.Upon the timely arrival of the radio and after having read the one-sheet non-detailed manual, I tried out the crank. When it did, I vigorously cranked the dynamo for about 3 minutes and then turned on the radio. In other words, according to the manufacturer, if alternate batteries are in place, they will have to be exhausted and removed before the radio will work again.
When I returned, the charge was gone; and the radio had to be cranked.remember , no external battery function because of poor construction. I also wonder if the solar function contributed to the longevity as, during the day, the radio was in a lighted room. If the led flashlight is removed (and it is easily removed just by turning its black retainer ring.why, I do not know)., the inside reveals a circuit board and plastic gears for the dynamo; and the crank is somewhat flimsy. You do not have a choice.no switch. Tuning must be done by ear.
Unless, I received a "lemon," DO NOT BUY THIS RADIO for emergency purposes.This is the first item I have ever returned to Amazon. Cranking would not charge up the battery. I bought the Kaito 339 as an emergency radio, but.This is not a very well-built radio. This is unacceptable. Unfortunately, I overlooked the manufacturer's omission of weather channels in the description.----------------------------------------------------------UPDATE: The radio finally faded out at just more than a continuous 20 hours.
The crank is molded plastic, and the weakest link in the chain -- the fitting where the base/center of the crank slots into an interior metal turn wheel -- snapped off when exposed to forceful turning. Made in China. My son broke this radio within a week. You get what you pay for, I suppose.
It's really easy to crank, plus it is also solar powered. She LOVES it. Also, it's not that big so it doesn't take up much storage space. I bought this for my mother because last time we had a storm, she was without power for several days. This item is worth every penny. This product is well thought out, well designed, and lightweight.
|
