When an emergency strikes, will you have the vital information you need? The Etón FR300 answers that question with a resounding yes. This sturdy AM/FM radio is built to handle the elements, as well as a power outage, thanks to a hand crank that can be used to recharge the built-in battery. Thanks to the FR300's reception of NOAA weather radio, emergency information is always close at hand when you need it, making this radio a must-have for anyone who wants to be as ready as possible for unforeseen events.

Emergency lighting, cell phone power, and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

Design and Controls
Weighing in at just under a pound and a half, and measuring just six and a half inches across, the FR300 is light and compact enough to take anywhere. Simple, easy-to-grasp rotating knobs on the front of the device control tuning, volume, and band selection. The tuning knob also features a fine tuning control knob superimposed on the main tuning knob for extreme tuning accuracy. An analog tuning selector is clearly marked with key frequencies, making it easy to quickly tune the stations that matter most. Two switches on the front of the device control the flashlight and power supply selection.

Tuning and Bands
As mentioned, the FR300 tunes all seven NOAA weather channels, plus the all important alert channel. In addition to AM/FM tuning, you can tune into the audio from VHF television stations -- TV1 and TV2, channels two through 13.

Connections and Power
Because the FR300 is built for those times when normal power options are not available, it provides a number of options for providing the juice it needs. An AC adapter (not included) charges the built-in Ni-MH battery pack, but again, If the power is out it can be recharged using the attached hand crank. Power can also be supplied by three "AA" batteries, and if there is no battery at all in the device -- including the rechargeable battery -- the radio will operate with continuous operation of the hand crank.

Extras
The FR300's LED light system offers three emergency lights, plus a flashing beacon mode. There's also a siren for alerting emergency responders to your location, as well as a cell phone charger for keeping your other vital communications tool topped off with power. The radio includes cell phone adapter tips for charging select models of Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, and LG phones. Note that not all manufacturers or makes are supported.

What's in the Box
FR300 radio, 5 cell phone charging adapters, carrying case, and owner's manual.