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Topic: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Radio (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Radio
Yahoo Message Number: 57896
Any opinions out there on Emergency Radios?  I'm leaning towards the Grundig FR300.  Thanks.

FR300 Features: * AM and FM * TV1 and TV2 - VHF channels 2-13 * NOAA weather – all 7 channels plus "Alert" * 3 LED light system with emergency flash. Two white LEDs for flashlight mode and One Red LED for emergency flash mode.
* Siren * Cellphone charger - and includes five adaptor tips that fit most phone models! Charge your cell phone anywhere, anytime! * Crank system charges the built-in NiMH rechargeable battery. 90 seconds of cranking provides up to 60 minutes of operation.
* You can also charge the rechargeable battery pack via an AC/DC adaptor/charger (not included, but available at most electronics stores).

John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL Big Red
Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Radio
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57897
Quote
Any opinions out there on Emergency Radios?  I'm leaning towards the Grundig FR300.  Thanks.
Currently $39.99 at Circuit City, by the way.
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57899
Quote
Any opinions out there on Emergency Radios?  I'm leaning towards the Grundig FR300.  Thanks.
Currently $39.99 at Circuit City, by the way.

Very true.  Best price on eBay is $55 shipped in.  Circuit City.com shows not available on-line. Only one of two Circuit City stores in our area has it in stock.  Most other places on the Internet are $45-50 plus shipping.

John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL Big Red
Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Radio/Long
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57900
Quote
"Any opinions out there on Emergency Radios?  I'm leaning towards
the Grundig FR300.  Thanks."

Quote
John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL Big Red
John & Cheryl

Here's my opinion... FWIW, but opinions are like *a__ h____s*, everbodys got one.

I have always been of the opinion that a device that claims to perform several functions usually accomplishes those functions in a mediocre manner but none of those functions in an exemplary manner.

I would much rather have one device which is dedicated to one function and which will accomplish it perfectly.
 As for the Grundig FR300 it appears to meet the criteria of a multi- function device. I would question the need considering that most LD owners have the CB/Weather radio the Mother Ship offers. And, most LD owners already have an AM/FM radio built into the dash. Unless your coach batteries go south these will always be functionable. The Grundig does not have 'shortwave' as near as I can see. It also has the older style 'analog' tuning, not digital. Yes, you can crank it to provide power but let's be practical, how many times do you think this feature will be necessary? As to charging a cell phone... well, I charge mine using an AC adaptor where possible or a DC adaptor where necessary.

Oh, I have considered an "Emergency Radio" but decided it's something I can live without. Besides, if I were to go that route I think I'd much rather have the Grundig S350, for any number of reasons.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57901
At 08:29 PM 9/10/2005 +0000, you wrote:

Quote
As for the Grundig FR300 it appears to meet the criteria of a multi- function device. I would question the need considering that most LD owners have the CB/Weather radio the Mother Ship offers. And, most LD owners already have an AM/FM radio built into the dash. Unless your coach batteries go south these will always be functionable. The Grundig does not have 'shortwave' as near as I can see. It also has the older style 'analog' tuning, not digital. Yes, you can crank it to provide power but let's be practical, how many times do you think this feature will be necessary? As to charging a cell phone... well, I charge mine using an AC adaptor where possible or a DC adaptor where necessary.

Oh, I have considered an "Emergency Radio" but decided it's something I can live without. Besides, if I were to go that route I think I'd much rather have the Grundig S350, for any number of reasons.
Steve, while I usually agree that multi-function items generally are not the best option, in this situation it may be a very reasonable solution.
 After Katrinka, we've been rethinking our emergency planning and our stash, which does not include any sort of emergency radio or contact device. And the last time we planned, we did not own cell phones and thus had no need of a charger that is not dependent on electricity. I've been looking at the hand-cranked devices for a couple of years, and this one intrigues me because it has radio and weather stations, plus TV channel audio, AND it recharges your cell phone.
 I wouldn't expect to use this set on a daily basis (though it's probably wise to run it several times a year to be sure it's working and the batteries are charged), and in an emergency I wouldn't be particularly concerned about the niceties of operation, reception, etc., so long as it would help me find out what is going on and keep in touch with family.
 I live in earthquake country, and they have predicted for some time that we will have the next "Big One" within 20 years or less. Having something like this would be a godsend. We also would probably carry it on the RV for extended trips, "just in case," since we do a lot of boondocking. Even though we have solar panels which would probably keep things nicely charged up (so we could use our regular radio, charge the cell phones, etc.), it would be nice to have a backup.

Finally, if by "analog tuning" you mean the old-fashioned method of actually turning a knog and tuning in a station by hand, I vastly prefer it. The newer radios I've had are too complicated by far, and digital tuning is just one complication I don't need. I know where the local stations are and can get  there a lot faster by hand than scanning every active station to find the one I want. Ditto with out-of-town locations.
I'd just rather do it myself. :--)
 I'm not sure I'd buy this particular unit, but I am going to add it to my list for further research. As always, YMMV.

Sonsie
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Rad
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57905
We bought a Coleman Outrider, based on a report in the Nov. 2003 Consumers Report, on emergency hand-crank radios.  You can read the review at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/dyk5v
 We have used it during power outages at home, but now have it in the LD. It has worked as advertised, and I'm happy with it.

Sharon N.
 
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Grundig FR200 or FR300 Emergency Rad
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58261
For an unbiased review of the FR300, get a copy of the 9/21/2005 Wall St Journal, page 1, Personal Journal section, where the writer does a review of the FR300 and several other "emergency" products.
 I ended up buying two for $39.95 [sale price] from Circuit City.  One for Big Red, the other for home.  Greatest thing since sliced bread? No, but it works.  What more do you want an emergency radio to do?

John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL Big Red