Get Shortwave radios here (USA) bugoutroll.ca/collections/radios Get Shortwave radios here (Canada) www.canadianpreparedness.com/product-categories/comms-radios/
@CP What watch is that? Semper FI Gunny *Based ATM east coast USA,North east. Signs ALL over local food stores about delay/shortages.ALL Prices on everything up 20% at least.This happened quickly. Saw low/missing stock on items ( a bit).Not sure if actual shortage or because I went in 11:30 at night and they close at 12.
Dear Sir, I have a homeless friend who is living in the woods in Tulsa and I'm looking for a waterproof radio, flashlight, phone charger, etc. for him that doesn't cost alot. I am 64 and have VERY limited resources. But I'm really concerned about this man. Can you help me? I'm not a techi by any stretch of the imagination. The world has become alien to me. Also is there anything that will keep him warm in a tent when it's 12° and raining or snowing? IDK of anything. I've warned him about bringing propane items into his tent but he doesn't listen. All I know to do is pray. I have no money to send to him for food or other comforts that would keep him alive. And so I pray!
I hate to be "that guy" but ... TB (brutally) H, I wouldn't pee on most of that equipment. Not sure who selected it all, but wow... ... very not great : /
I live exactly where hurricane Irma hit, when that happened it felt like shtf, no gas not water no food cash was useless no way to get a hold of information. One of these hand cranked radios was priceless
I live in Miami and have been through several hurricanes, starting with Andrew. My multi bank radio was a lifesaver when I had no power for three weeks.
When I was homeless I bought one from Fry's. I took it apart and removed the little solar panel. Got a very long speaker wire and had the solar panel in the hot sun while I sat in the shade. Solar wasn't very good at charging up the radio. Used batteries for night time use. Still have it I think. YES! Yes! Analog! Digital is really not an improvement.
I agree with you - analog radios are the way to go for long-term reliability in adverse conditions. I have an old analog Radio Shack AM/FM/SW radio that is over 40 years old and it still works just fine. It doesn't have solar charging, NOAA, USB, or any of that fancy stuff but I know it will work 10 or even 20 years from now if I ever need to dust it off and put in into service.
@@caasizednanreh4423 please dont do it. if the power comes on those things could get hot. BUT you could hook to a ground bar or any ground in your electric system.
@@seedsoutdoors3721 modern electrical systems require the electrical box to be bonded. That means that neutral is connected to ground by your bonding lug.
You need to crank the dynamo much faster- 2 revolutions per second. I spoke to the service technician at Kaito in California. The solar panel on the KA500 will NOT charge the internal battery. You need to install AA alkaline cells or charge the internal internal battery via USB. You might be able to power the radio using the solar panel, if you have bright sunshine. The smaller radio is designed to keep the battery charged via the solar cell, after you charge it via a USB adapter.
And don't forget to practice using the radios ( and ALL your prepper gear!) before you actually need it. Try using all the radios to tune to a particular station (like WWV), make up a dipole antenna for Shortwave, use the a solar panel to charge a NiMH cell or the Kaito radio, charge the Kaito using the crank, practice firestarting, purify some rainwater, pitch a tent, etc.
Sir, i agree with you concerning the analog vs digital. I have the analog version as well as the digital version. The digital one has a "time" always on which drains the charge all the time and it is actually harder to get a station "dialed" in because it will automatically skip over certain stations whereas the analog one allows for the manual "dialing" in of stations.
It's probably not the RTC draining the battery in a digital radio - it's more likely the DSP or display... either way, the drain is nothing that cannot be adequately countered with even a small inefficient solar panel. Personally, I'd go for a Tecsun over the Kaito. Great selectivity and sensitivity, a quality US made DSP, Larger band-plan and adds CW and SSB(USB/LSB) modes... Tecsuns are a common 'listener' recommendation of Amateur Radio licensees. Although... again, why bother when you can get an open HF/SW receiver... with a professional 2m/70cm/50m transceiver, that can be 'opened' to Tx on Marine VHF and Airband (yes please!) ... capable of full duplex, doing UU/UV/VV... programmable channel scanning... and APRS... and GPS... and a data port... in a truly tiny and light HT that fits in the pocket of a very tight pair of jeans. Prepper gear should be light, very flexible and dependably robust... something you'd trust your life to. Something adaptable to changing circumstances. Not shiny junk : /
Great video CP! If I said it once, then I've said it a million times, knowledge is power! In a crisis, it's great to have comms between members of your own prep group, but you also need to get information from outside your circle that's being broadcast too. Whether it's severe weather or SHTF, you need to know what's happening beyond your line of site whether it's a mile or a thousand miles away and heading towards you. Thumbs up CP!
Just stumbled upon this video. Kaito is always a good choice. They have worked very hard to bring their quality control up. They have a great Tech support, and handle all Warranty problems out of California. I’ve dealt with them on a Tecsun, and have purchased a few Kaito radios. Kaito specializes in Emergency Radios,. The KA-500 is one of the most popular radios sold. And well worth the price. Sensitivity/Selectivity on the KA-500 is quite decent. I’m in Jacksonville Florida, and had no problems receiving all locals, semi-locals, and a few long distance stations. FM very good. Short Wave is fair, but improves with “Longwire “ antenna. 📻🙂
In my 30 years of survival-type radios, the ONLY one that is still operating is my BayGen Freeplay. The little cheap, crankers and solars are good toys, in my opinion. If you want something to play with, they are great. If you want a "survival" radio, you need to break out the billfold and get something that's going to last. Unfortunately, the BayGen is tough to find anymore. Glad I got mine when I did. I also would NEVER buy a radio with internal only batteries. Get something that takes easily found replaceable bats, such as AA or similar. Appreciate all your work n uploading vids. Thanks.
First, these are EMERGENCY radios. Solar panels and cranks are there JUST IN CASE. NOT full time use. That’s why there are OTHER WAYS to charge the battery pack, AND USING “AA” or “AAA” batteries. And not all Kaito radios are “cheap “ . And there are the Sangean, and C.Crane radios if you don’t like Kaito radios ( with a 1year warranty). 📻😐
I like analog verses a digital band radio as one has more freedom to feel out faint signals as opposed to digital which has fixed settings. I also like the reading lamp as it is brighter than the flash light when moving from one area to another. Also having a selector knob to capture 6 other weather band frequencies and combined with short wave bands. There is also a switch on the back of the radio when selecting charging capabilities from dynamo to charge the cell phone, or recharging via solar panel. I like your review and antenna hacks and that you offer the adapter that is a seperate acessory to power the radio from a wall outlet. Or recharge the internal battery. Thank you Nate for posting this content on you tube.
A recommendation for a book or booklet regarding the use of radio in disasters or emerencies would be helpful. If you usae a wirew to extendthe antenna, stay away from house! Electrical noise will always find you.
I have a very good Digital compact version of which I keep in my Faraday Cage Box when not in use. But these radio's are a good item to have on hand when in a Natural Disaster SHTF situation. Another good item I have is a Compact "Solar Powered Battery Charger for AAA/AA" 4 at a time.
I bought a pocket Kaito multiband radio a few years ago. It runs on two AA batteries only, but they last a long time. I paid just $10 or so, and it is probably the most useful bang for $10 ever. The need to string up a huge antenna really depends on your location. I've never had a problem with reception.
Google offers language translation earbuds about 170 apparently works best with high end smartphones like their cell line. This would be great for listening to different language shortwave broadcasts.
Buy the optional 6V adapter to use the KA500, because the cheap 600 mAh battery they put in the radio doesn't charge well or doesn't last long. The solar panel will not charge the internal battery, and is only supposed power the radio in bright direct sunlight, or to maintain a full charge after you charge it using a 6V source. Only the newer KA500 radios have the micro-USB input for charging the internal battery. Good luck getting a clear signal on the Weather Band unless you are close the to transmitter.
Awesome video CP. I really like that Voyager simply because it has so many different ways to power it. With any of these radios, the more wire you can get in the air the better reception you're going to get. It's a great idea using your rain gutters as antennas. If you're away from home, one could bundle a 50 foot piece of wire with an alligator clip attached to one end, to connect to the antenna if your radio. Some people might be wondering why the heck they need a shortwave radio. Well if you're in the disaster Zone, local FM and AM radio stations are also in the disaster Zone. Shortwave broadcasters are usually outside of your local area. They broadcast in a variety of different languages, and also on different bands. Now the thing that's important about the bands of those radios, is shortwave broadcasters will transmit on one band during the day, and another band during the night to reach the same target listeners. So it's important to know what stations are transmitting on what band/frequency, at what time of day. Like everything else in preparedness, we need to practice and train to make the most of technology. By the way thanks for the shout-out CP Julian STN
Sure, but I'd take the Tecsun range over the Kaito in a heartbeat. Way better sensitivity, great DSP (USA made Silicon Labs SI4735), and they do CW/LSB/USB modes on top. Some models even accept a microSD for recording reports, wx, morse, etc... got to love those Tecsuns. Although, why settle for Rx only? A wide open portable HF receiver with decent selectivity AND tri-band Tx + APRS + GPS that fits in a tight jeans pocket and weighs next to nothing? And it can mod to Tx on Marine VHF and Air-band? ... and still take a long wire in a tree. Umm, yes please : ) I'll never understand why so many peppers are attracted to shiny junk : /
@@garychap8384 The Tecsun radios tend to be more expensive, and don't have many of the emergency features that the Kaito has. I've had a Kaito for a while now, but I am looking into a Tecsun since I'm getting into the whole Shortwave thing.
Usually, the batteries dont last long in the weather radios, ive putted batteries in mine like 5-6 days ago, and had to replace them yesterday (AA batteries). With the power cord, when theirs a power outage (happened a couple days ago for me) they do go out. Im on the east coast of the usa.
When you crank a dynamo to charge the battery, you need to turn it 3 times-per-second. You will get nothing from turning it slowly or casually, as in this video. Since the dynamo charging is so inefficient, you are better off with extra power banks, or a big solar panel, which depends on sunny weather, obviously.
my SW antenna is a long wire wrapped around the waterpipes. i have good reception. i got china international and NHK japan with that antenna, and im located in Hungary
I think the sun will power this with the battery removed or dead. My Kaito KA500L works great in the sun with the rechargeable battery removed. I was very surprised!
here in the US weather band channels broadcast emergency info and Amber Alerts. this a very nice set of radios, I used to have a shortwave "boom box", I enjoyed listening to Spanish language channels
I do trap making vids all the time mate ..... but i dont show kills though , would love to see CP do some demos or even just what ones a prepper could buy
JJR SURVIVAL There are plenty of videos on UA-cam about that. I personally watch to hear what he talks about, and I think if he started making videos about how to do things it’d be too... busy.
Fully agree brother,communications a real need! Cause I'm bugging out your direction,screw this swamp land,I prefer the cold! At least till I can make my way to my property in the west!
Digital stuff is sensitive to shocks, so if you would drop a digital radio, it might break. The analog radios are more sturdy, so you could bump it, throw it in a bag with tools, or anything else you'd do in a panic or a rush, and it should survive.
I've had one of these for a few years, the KA500 ( you may have mentioned them in an older video ), I appreciate the tip with the wire! I'll have to pick up a smaller one for my bag. Great radios!
I had this old paper clip. Like really old. I don’t know how but my older plasma was getting crisp HD channels. This was after the tv stations switched to whatever they use now. I don’t really watch tv. The tv also didn’t have that converter box built in so I thought that’s what made it strange. It doesn’t work anymore either. I figured the type of metal has a lot to do with it. Good stuff with this radio. It’s on my wish list due to the variety of ways to power it.
something i did was put the materials i need to make an AM foxhole radio in my bug out bag just as a back up. AM stations are not the best, but it's a back up.
I reccomend just getting an SDR if you want maximum receive capability, or a ham radio if you want the ability to transmit. The main advantage of this thing is all the different ways you can power it.
I have voyager v2 (well its more or less generic radio receiver, same radio different manufacturer) for few years now and for its price its great. Not as useful at day, good at night. I Live in central europe and can get Russian, hungarian, Turkish, UK channels with ease, English chinese every day, occasionally Few australian ones, and did hit one of those private christian radio stations from US once or twice.its great little radio, holds charge well (around 6 hours playing from fully charged internal battery pack), has good reception (esp with antenna mods) and is quite loud for its size. Not sure if its manufacture error, but mine has few mm of play on tuning knob, and it can be major pita to fine tune radio.
I don't want a radio. Ignorance is bliss. I'll be like those WW2 Japanese soldiers, 20 years later still on some remote island, keeping the war alive. Keep up the good work!
The CBC no longer broadcasts SW which sucks when ur way in the bush and want some kinda radio. What North American frequencies have others found SW uses found?
So, here's my question. Back in the old days, when TV signals were analog, you could get an AM/FM/TV audio radio from Radio Shack pretty cheaply. There were many occasions when bad storms hit, the power went out, and tornado sirens were blaring in the distance, I could break out that little radio and listen to the local news coverage for more information. Nowadays, since TV went to digital, no one appears to be making a AM/FM/TV radio anymore. At least, I haven't found one. Which is a shame since the local TV media can be a vital source of info in a cell down situation. Yes, there's local AM/FM stations. But, most stations only give small blurb on the half hour, or on the top of the hour, if you're lucky. TV media on the other hand usually goes wall-to-wall with thier coverage. News is their bread and butter. Wereas, music is a radio stations bread and butter. Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone out there knows of any good gear out there that is portable that will pick up digital TV audio? Thanks.
I got the KA500 from eBay for 42.99 USD free shipping which included all accessories (plus the 6V wall wort). Do not depend on the telescoping rod antenna for Shortwave, but it works pretty well for the NOAA weather, and FM reception. The radio works pretty well with a single 18650 outside the radio (you can parallel two 18650 batteies for longer use before recharging), or a 14450 with 2 dummy batterys in the battery case in the back, both are rechargeable batteries available used or new. Both batteries are 4.0V fully charged. You can use nickel metal hydride rechargeables with no modifications (1.4V fully charged even though most are rated at 1.2V after long storage). I would hesitate to use alkaline or zinc batteries as they cannot be recharged at all. ( The solar panel recharges any battery in the battery compartments, and alkaline or zinc batteries must not be recharged). When you cannot pick up WWV or WWVA with the rod antenna, this radio needs help with a longwire antenna that can be clipped to the unextended telescoping rod antenna with an alligator clip available at most Ace Hardware stores. The NOAA alert feature works well as I found out during the last storm system that passed through. It activated several times for tornado and severe storm warnings. All in all, this radio should have SSB capability for the price. Still, it is portable enough to fit in your "got to go" bag. Kaito should make a shortwave/AM SSB capable radio without the FM and NOAA features that is more selective and sensitive than their usual radios.
longshorts3 .......or, you could find a higher capacity battery pack(s). Great radio. You will enjoy it. ( careful you don’t do something to void your 1 year warranty).
FM has become essential in UK now since BBC removed many, including essential World Service, from AM. DAB is there but very battery-hungry. At least we are within range of other Euro-stations.
KA500L and KA600L versions have larger solar panel, 2000 mAh battery and better sound, but do not have the 3 AA batteries option for power. For me the L versions are preferable. Also for SW reception you need a improvised wire antenna of 5 to 7 meters, or you can buy several models like Kaito T-1. There are also AM antennas for improved reception in this band like AN-100 and AN-200.
About the Chanel that you picked it was Radio-canada in Montreal. 95.1 Fm but i didn't knew they emitied on SW. The guys name is Boucard Diouf, he comes from Africa with a France accent. Hope that helps. 😊
I've had some thing similar to the medium size version for years in my SHTF bag... It has some bulk but I'd rather have it and be able to ditch it then to be with out!!!
I've got so many items I want to order from you....especially your BugOut roll. Seems like every time I save a few bucks something breaks down. But I'm getting one dang it!
I've owned the Voyager for about three years and it's okay, but the shortwave reception has a major downside...no fine tuning. You have to turn the knob painfully slow to pick up shortwave on it. If they put in a fine tuner or spaced the band out more, it would be so much better. The USB charger is mostly useless too, but other than those two downsides, it's a solid radio for $40.00 American.
Canadian Prepper hey Nate, great 👍 video on this radio. Wanted to get your input of another radio 📻 the Midland ER 310 it even comes with a dog whistle
Thanks. It costs UKP74 here! But tricky SW tuning reminds me of the 60s! I have an Eton (Grundig-designed) S359DL which often picks up FM from Brest, France, here in Plymouth but need a hand crank solar radio too.
Have you ever done a comparison of similar size solar radios from a dead battery to full charge to find out which charges fastest given the radios happen to also have the same capacity battery?
Any form of info from the outside world during a grid down situation is important. People today are addicted to outside stimulus. Living in a house with absolute no noise can drive you crazy. Try turning off your electricity off for a few days and listen to the silence. it can cause you to go insane. I have been without electricity for over 2 weeks and any outside stimulus would have been nice. Makes the time go by quicker.
very Nice review .can it be used full time on my night stand as a noaa alert in case of nighttime bad weather alert? of would you recommend a stand a lone noaa weather alert radio? thanks
*I think that maybe the solar (circuitry) and the radio would be nullified if SHTF because of a EMP detonation. However, until THAT happens I am getting one to use in the meantime! Seriously!*
My friend Juliano really needs to buy one. I have tried to tell him for a long time, but he wont listen. What should I do in order to make him buying one?
Theres an alternative one for 23$ at canadian tire it might not be the best but for 23 bucks what do you want you can even charge ur phone solar powerd and crancked
ATTENTION: June 1st is NATIONAL YELLOW RADIO DAY. ( ...And the first day of Hurricane Season). This day is set aside to remind people, wherever you are, to be prepared for [ any] disaster. ( large or small). {You can GOOGLE - National Yellow Radio Day “( And see what pops up) Good video. 📻🙂
CP likes a stiff, smooth, crank. Duly noted. :) But seriously, I've never been a fan of crank radios. Every single one I've seen has been a cheap gimmick and I've never known anyone who put more than a few minutes cranking on one or actually used one for any length of time in a real situation. I've got lithium ion battery powered lights and a basic solar setup to ensure they always have power which I consider far more reliable than any crank light. Radios are pretty easy on batteries. You can cheaply stock a LOT of days worth of radio runtime in batteries. But yes, batteries have a shelf life and self discharge over time. That is why I prefer a general purpose solar setup over crank or even the tiny solar panel on this radio. My little Anker 14 watt panel with USB AA and 18650 chargers will get a lot more done than that crank or solar panel. I suppose if you live on frozen planet Hoth where it's dark half the year solar might not work in which case I'd be stocking batteries. Put a multimeter on that crank and solar panel and do the math. :)
All the radios are much more expensive now, almost tripled in price. Do you really use the short waves? Would the Kaito Voyager eco or Fospower A1 work as a bugout bag or blackout radio?
Get Shortwave radios here (USA)
bugoutroll.ca/collections/radios
Get Shortwave radios here (Canada)
www.canadianpreparedness.com/product-categories/comms-radios/
@CP What watch is that?
Semper FI
Gunny
*Based ATM east coast USA,North east. Signs ALL over local food stores about delay/shortages.ALL Prices on everything up 20% at least.This happened quickly.
Saw low/missing stock on items ( a bit).Not sure if actual shortage or because I went in 11:30 at night and they close at 12.
Dear Sir, I have a homeless friend who is living in the woods in Tulsa and I'm looking for a waterproof radio, flashlight, phone charger, etc. for him that doesn't cost alot. I am 64 and have VERY limited resources. But I'm really concerned about this man. Can you help me? I'm not a techi by any stretch of the imagination. The world has become alien to me. Also is there anything that will keep him warm in a tent when it's 12° and raining or snowing? IDK of anything. I've warned him about bringing propane items into his tent but he doesn't listen. All I know to do is pray. I have no money to send to him for food or other comforts that would keep him alive. And so I pray!
I hate to be "that guy" but ... TB (brutally) H, I wouldn't pee on most of that equipment. Not sure who selected it all, but wow...
... very not great : /
I live exactly where hurricane Irma hit, when that happened it felt like shtf, no gas not water no food cash was useless no way to get a hold of information. One of these hand cranked radios was priceless
Sarasota?
........... F that damn hurricane
I live in Miami and have been through several hurricanes, starting with Andrew. My multi bank radio was a lifesaver when I had no power for three weeks.
This is the number one item for storage in a Faraday cage. Also include rechargeable batteries, and a solar charger.
When I was homeless I bought one from Fry's. I took it apart and removed the little solar panel. Got a very long speaker wire and had the solar panel in the hot sun while I sat in the shade. Solar wasn't very good at charging up the radio. Used batteries for night time use. Still have it I think.
YES! Yes! Analog! Digital is really not an improvement.
I agree with you - analog radios are the way to go for long-term reliability in adverse conditions. I have an old analog Radio Shack AM/FM/SW radio that is over 40 years old and it still works just fine. It doesn't have solar charging, NOAA, USB, or any of that fancy stuff but I know it will work 10 or even 20 years from now if I ever need to dust it off and put in into service.
That was one of the first things that I checked off on my preparedness list. 👍😎
I hook my antenna to the neutral bar in my circuit breaker box. Then the whole power grid is my extended antenna. I picked up a station from China!
woah...may you please make a tutorial on how to do that?
@@caasizednanreh4423 please dont do it. if the power comes on those things could get hot. BUT you could hook to a ground bar or any ground in your electric system.
@@williamdaniels6943 thanks for looking out!
Why would you connect to the neutral and not the ground ?
@@seedsoutdoors3721 modern electrical systems require the electrical box to be bonded. That means that neutral is connected to ground by your bonding lug.
You need to crank the dynamo much faster- 2 revolutions per second.
I spoke to the service technician at Kaito in California. The solar panel on the KA500 will NOT charge the internal battery. You need to install AA alkaline cells or charge the internal internal battery via USB. You might be able to power the radio using the solar panel, if you have bright sunshine.
The smaller radio is designed to keep the battery charged via the solar cell, after you charge it via a USB adapter.
And don't forget to practice using the radios ( and ALL your prepper gear!) before you actually need it. Try using all the radios to tune to a particular station (like WWV), make up a dipole antenna for Shortwave, use the a solar panel to charge a NiMH cell or the Kaito radio, charge the Kaito using the crank, practice firestarting, purify some rainwater, pitch a tent, etc.
Sir,
i agree with you concerning the analog vs digital. I have the analog version as well as the digital version. The digital one has a "time" always on which drains the charge all the time and it is actually harder to get a station "dialed" in because it will automatically skip over certain stations whereas the analog one allows for the manual "dialing" in of stations.
It's probably not the RTC draining the battery in a digital radio - it's more likely the DSP or display... either way, the drain is nothing that cannot be adequately countered with even a small inefficient solar panel.
Personally, I'd go for a Tecsun over the Kaito. Great selectivity and sensitivity, a quality US made DSP, Larger band-plan and adds CW and SSB(USB/LSB) modes... Tecsuns are a common 'listener' recommendation of Amateur Radio licensees.
Although... again, why bother when you can get an open HF/SW receiver... with a professional 2m/70cm/50m transceiver, that can be 'opened' to Tx on Marine VHF and Airband (yes please!) ... capable of full duplex, doing UU/UV/VV... programmable channel scanning... and APRS... and GPS... and a data port... in a truly tiny and light HT that fits in the pocket of a very tight pair of jeans.
Prepper gear should be light, very flexible and dependably robust... something you'd trust your life to. Something adaptable to changing circumstances. Not shiny junk : /
Great video CP!
If I said it once, then I've said it a million times, knowledge is power! In a crisis, it's great to have comms between members of your own prep group, but you also need to get information from outside your circle that's being broadcast too. Whether it's severe weather or SHTF, you need to know what's happening beyond your line of site whether it's a mile or a thousand miles away and heading towards you.
Thumbs up CP!
Just stumbled upon this video.
Kaito is always a good choice. They have worked very hard to bring their quality control up.
They have a great Tech support, and handle all Warranty problems out of California. I’ve dealt with them on a Tecsun, and have purchased a few Kaito radios.
Kaito specializes in Emergency Radios,.
The KA-500 is one of the most popular radios sold. And well worth the price.
Sensitivity/Selectivity on the KA-500 is quite decent. I’m in Jacksonville Florida, and had no problems receiving all locals, semi-locals, and a few long distance stations.
FM very good.
Short Wave is fair, but improves with “Longwire “ antenna.
📻🙂
Awesome video, attaching a metal hanger to the antenna works well for better reception.
In my 30 years of survival-type radios, the ONLY one that is still operating is my BayGen Freeplay. The little cheap, crankers and solars are good toys, in my opinion. If you want something to play with, they are great. If you want a "survival" radio, you need to break out the billfold and get something that's going to last. Unfortunately, the BayGen is tough to find anymore. Glad I got mine when I did.
I also would NEVER buy a radio with internal only batteries. Get something that takes easily found replaceable bats, such as AA or similar.
Appreciate all your work n uploading vids. Thanks.
First, these are EMERGENCY radios.
Solar panels and cranks are there JUST IN CASE.
NOT full time use.
That’s why there are OTHER WAYS to charge the battery pack, AND USING “AA” or “AAA” batteries.
And not all Kaito radios are “cheap “ .
And there are the Sangean, and C.Crane radios if you don’t like Kaito radios ( with a 1year warranty).
📻😐
I like analog verses a digital band radio as one has more freedom to feel out faint signals as opposed to digital which has fixed settings. I also like the reading lamp as it is brighter than the flash light when moving from one area to another. Also having a selector knob to capture 6 other weather band frequencies and combined with short wave bands. There is also a switch on the back of the radio when selecting charging capabilities from dynamo to charge the cell phone, or recharging via solar panel. I like your review and antenna hacks and that you offer the adapter that is a seperate acessory to power the radio from a wall outlet. Or recharge the internal battery. Thank you Nate for posting this content on you tube.
A recommendation for a book or booklet regarding the use of radio in disasters or emerencies would be helpful.
If you usae a wirew to extendthe antenna, stay away from house! Electrical noise will always find you.
And its far worse in the digital age!
I have a very good Digital compact version of which I keep in my Faraday Cage Box when not in use. But these radio's are a good item to have on hand when in a Natural Disaster SHTF situation. Another good item I have is a Compact "Solar Powered Battery Charger for AAA/AA" 4 at a time.
I bought a pocket Kaito multiband radio a few years ago. It runs on two AA batteries only, but they last a long time. I paid just $10 or so, and it is probably the most useful bang for $10 ever. The need to string up a huge antenna really depends on your location. I've never had a problem with reception.
Google offers language translation earbuds about 170 apparently works best with high end smartphones like their cell line. This would be great for listening to different language shortwave broadcasts.
Buy the optional 6V adapter to use the KA500, because the cheap 600 mAh battery they put in the radio doesn't charge well or doesn't last long. The solar panel will not charge the internal battery, and is only supposed power the radio in bright direct sunlight, or to maintain a full charge after you charge it using a 6V source.
Only the newer KA500 radios have the micro-USB input for charging the internal battery.
Good luck getting a clear signal on the Weather Band unless you are close the to transmitter.
Awesome video CP. I really like that Voyager simply because it has so many different ways to power it. With any of these radios, the more wire you can get in the air the better reception you're going to get. It's a great idea using your rain gutters as antennas. If you're away from home, one could bundle a 50 foot piece of wire with an alligator clip attached to one end, to connect to the antenna if your radio.
Some people might be wondering why the heck they need a shortwave radio. Well if you're in the disaster Zone, local FM and AM radio stations are also in the disaster Zone. Shortwave broadcasters are usually outside of your local area. They broadcast in a variety of different languages, and also on different bands. Now the thing that's important about the bands of those radios, is shortwave broadcasters will transmit on one band during the day, and another band during the night to reach the same target listeners. So it's important to know what stations are transmitting on what band/frequency, at what time of day. Like everything else in preparedness, we need to practice and train to make the most of technology.
By the way thanks for the shout-out CP
Julian STN
Sure, but I'd take the Tecsun range over the Kaito in a heartbeat. Way better sensitivity, great DSP (USA made Silicon Labs SI4735), and they do CW/LSB/USB modes on top. Some models even accept a microSD for recording reports, wx, morse, etc... got to love those Tecsuns.
Although, why settle for Rx only? A wide open portable HF receiver with decent selectivity AND tri-band Tx + APRS + GPS that fits in a tight jeans pocket and weighs next to nothing? And it can mod to Tx on Marine VHF and Air-band? ... and still take a long wire in a tree. Umm, yes please : )
I'll never understand why so many peppers are attracted to shiny junk : /
@@garychap8384 The Tecsun radios tend to be more expensive, and don't have many of the emergency features that the Kaito has.
I've had a Kaito for a while now, but I am looking into a Tecsun since I'm getting into the whole Shortwave thing.
Would an antenna like that need grounding for safety reasons?
I have the Kaito KA550 in Silver. Great little radio 👍 📻 🎶
I just got mine, great little radio.
Just Picked Up My 500A, Brand New In The Box For $20 on OfferUp. Thanks For The Review CP! 👍🏻
Your channel is just awesome. One of the most informative and entertaining channels on UA-cam.
Thanks bro
Usually, the batteries dont last long in the weather radios, ive putted batteries in mine like 5-6 days ago, and had to replace them yesterday (AA batteries). With the power cord, when theirs a power outage (happened a couple days ago for me) they do go out. Im on the east coast of the usa.
When you crank a dynamo to charge the battery, you need to turn it 3 times-per-second. You will get nothing from turning it slowly or casually, as in this video.
Since the dynamo charging is so inefficient, you are better off with extra power banks, or a big solar panel, which depends on sunny weather, obviously.
I used touch the TVs antenna ( no power don’t worry. It double my distance my walk-in talkie went a whole mile her whizz. It does work
I love it. Sold.
I have one leftgutter left didn't know what too do with it soo I just put it in my bugout bag thank u soo much now ik I should keep it for the radio
my SW antenna is a long wire wrapped around the waterpipes. i have good reception. i got china international and NHK japan with that antenna, and im located in Hungary
I think the sun will power this with the battery removed or dead. My Kaito KA500L works great in the sun with the rechargeable battery removed. I was very surprised!
Really?!? If so that’s awesome!
here in the US weather band channels broadcast emergency info and Amber Alerts. this a very nice set of radios, I used to have a shortwave "boom box", I enjoyed listening to Spanish language channels
hello mate , i would love to see you do some videos on traps and trapping especially for long term survival / food procurement
those can be hard to do.....not so much in making them but in posting them lol
I do trap making vids all the time mate ..... but i dont show kills though , would love to see CP do some demos or even just what ones a prepper could buy
JJR SURVIVAL
There are plenty of videos on UA-cam about that. I personally watch to hear what he talks about, and I think if he started making videos about how to do things it’d be too... busy.
Interesting option....since most people in the cities, don't communicate openly...having this crank option radio is a good choice.
Keep in mind, it can take months to discharge a radio battery in todays radios. As long as you are not transmitting.
Fully agree brother,communications a real need! Cause I'm bugging out your direction,screw this swamp land,I prefer the cold! At least till I can make my way to my property in the west!
Sn1perOn3 D.M I like the cold too. Food lasts longer, less people, and it's easier to stay warm in a cool climate that cool in a hot climate.
Lol. French. Love the gear reviews but even better is when you review them in the field. Thanks for the accurate reviews.
Digital stuff is sensitive to shocks, so if you would drop a digital radio, it might break. The analog radios are more sturdy, so you could bump it, throw it in a bag with tools, or anything else you'd do in a panic or a rush, and it should survive.
I've had one of these for a few years, the KA500 ( you may have mentioned them in an older video ), I appreciate the tip with the wire! I'll have to pick up a smaller one for my bag. Great radios!
That's the radio that I have. It is awesome! works really well.
It's a tough time for delivery but, my ka 268 should arrive soon from ya'll.
Thanks
Great info. Best bet to having some type of information gathering devise. Stay strong
I have many all band all mode transceivers so that type of radio is not needed though I do own one.
I had this old paper clip. Like really old. I don’t know how but my older plasma was getting crisp HD channels. This was after the tv stations switched to whatever they use now. I don’t really watch tv. The tv also didn’t have that converter box built in so I thought that’s what made it strange. It doesn’t work anymore either. I figured the type of metal has a lot to do with it. Good stuff with this radio. It’s on my wish list due to the variety of ways to power it.
Awesome great info to have Canadian Prepper 👍
An old metal slinky makes a good antenna
Good prices,be my next purchase cycle! God bless
I actually own that radio. It's actually amazing.
Which one?
@@Thisisahandle701 I don't remember the model. It cost me about 86 bucks
something i did was put the materials i need to make an AM foxhole radio in my bug out bag just as a back up. AM stations are not the best, but it's a back up.
I reccomend just getting an SDR if you want maximum receive capability, or a ham radio if you want the ability to transmit. The main advantage of this thing is all the different ways you can power it.
A baofeng for on the foot is good aswell. Just goes 5 to 10 km but you can transmit with it aswell
the man you are hearing is named Boukar Diouf. he is a marine biologist. he has a radio show in Québec.
I've tryed lots of different kinds...
Most don't do what is said as far as the power side there made to sit on a shelf and not used
I have voyager v2 (well its more or less generic radio receiver, same radio different manufacturer) for few years now and for its price its great. Not as useful at day, good at night. I Live in central europe and can get Russian, hungarian, Turkish, UK channels with ease, English chinese every day, occasionally Few australian ones, and did hit one of those private christian radio stations from US once or twice.its great little radio, holds charge well (around 6 hours playing from fully charged internal battery pack), has good reception (esp with antenna mods) and is quite loud for its size. Not sure if its manufacture error, but mine has few mm of play on tuning knob, and it can be major pita to fine tune radio.
ApocGuy
Kaito makes radios for many other “brands”.
📻🙂
I don't want a radio. Ignorance is bliss. I'll be like those WW2 Japanese soldiers, 20 years later still on some remote island, keeping the war alive. Keep up the good work!
Uhh...have you seen "Final Destination"? Obviously, that radio will kill you first.
The CBC no longer broadcasts SW which sucks when ur way in the bush and want some kinda radio. What North American frequencies have others found SW uses found?
Even if the needle dose get stuck and the needle is fixed, the dial will still get the channels , you just can't see anything.
So, here's my question. Back in the old days, when TV signals were analog, you could get an AM/FM/TV audio radio from Radio Shack pretty cheaply. There were many occasions when bad storms hit, the power went out, and tornado sirens were blaring in the distance, I could break out that little radio and listen to the local news coverage for more information. Nowadays, since TV went to digital, no one appears to be making a AM/FM/TV radio anymore. At least, I haven't found one. Which is a shame since the local TV media can be a vital source of info in a cell down situation. Yes, there's local AM/FM stations. But, most stations only give small blurb on the half hour, or on the top of the hour, if you're lucky. TV media on the other hand usually goes wall-to-wall with thier coverage. News is their bread and butter. Wereas, music is a radio stations bread and butter. Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone out there knows of any good gear out there that is portable that will pick up digital TV audio? Thanks.
Robert Long
Unfortunately since TV went digital( North America), no one makes a radio for digital TV signals.
📻😐
Please upday. Thank you
I got the KA500 from eBay for 42.99 USD free shipping which included all accessories (plus the 6V wall wort). Do not depend on the telescoping rod antenna for Shortwave, but it works pretty well for the NOAA weather, and FM reception. The radio works pretty well with a single 18650 outside the radio (you can parallel two 18650 batteies for longer use before recharging), or a 14450 with 2 dummy batterys in the battery case in the back, both are rechargeable batteries available used or new. Both batteries are 4.0V fully charged. You can use nickel metal hydride rechargeables with no modifications (1.4V fully charged even though most are rated at 1.2V after long storage). I would hesitate to use alkaline or zinc batteries as they cannot be recharged at all. ( The solar panel recharges any battery in the battery compartments, and alkaline or zinc batteries must not be recharged). When you cannot pick up WWV or WWVA with the rod antenna, this radio needs help with a longwire antenna that can be clipped to the unextended telescoping rod antenna with an alligator clip available at most Ace Hardware stores. The NOAA alert feature works well as I found out during the last storm system that passed through. It activated several times for tornado and severe storm warnings. All in all, this radio should have SSB capability for the price. Still, it is portable enough to fit in your "got to go" bag. Kaito should make a shortwave/AM SSB capable radio without the FM and NOAA features that is more selective and sensitive than their usual radios.
longshorts3
.......or, you could find a higher capacity battery pack(s).
Great radio. You will enjoy it. ( careful you don’t do something to void your 1 year warranty).
FM has become essential in UK now since BBC removed many, including essential World Service, from AM. DAB is there but very battery-hungry. At least we are within range of other Euro-stations.
KA500L and KA600L versions have larger solar panel, 2000 mAh battery and better sound, but do not have the 3 AA batteries option for power. For me the L versions are preferable. Also for SW reception you need a improvised wire antenna of 5 to 7 meters, or you can buy several models like Kaito T-1. There are also AM antennas for improved reception in this band like AN-100 and AN-200.
Electronicos Caldas
Really, any decent length of wire is a big help.
And those passive loop AM ( Medium Wave) antennas are excellent.
Good advise.
📻🙂
About the Chanel that you picked it was Radio-canada in Montreal. 95.1 Fm but i didn't knew they emitied on SW. The guys name is Boucard Diouf, he comes from Africa with a France accent. Hope that helps. 😊
I've had some thing similar to the medium size version for years in my SHTF bag... It has some bulk but I'd rather have it and be able to ditch it then to be with out!!!
I've got so many items I want to order from you....especially your BugOut roll. Seems like every time I save a few bucks something breaks down. But I'm getting one dang it!
Would the Hand Crank recharge any of the AAAs you would insert? That would be handy.
Thanks CP I guess I had a hand in this video after asking ya on Instagram ! Lol keep up the great work dude it's much appreciated
I've owned the Voyager for about three years and it's okay, but the shortwave reception has a major downside...no fine tuning. You have to turn the knob painfully slow to pick up shortwave on it. If they put in a fine tuner or spaced the band out more, it would be so much better. The USB charger is mostly useless too, but other than those two downsides, it's a solid radio for $40.00 American.
Dantastic you may fair better with the dedicated 12 band sw options I discuss later in video
Canadian Prepper hey Nate, great 👍 video on this radio.
Wanted to get your input of another radio 📻 the Midland ER 310 it even comes with a dog whistle
Thanks. It costs UKP74 here! But tricky SW tuning reminds me of the 60s! I have an Eton (Grundig-designed) S359DL which often picks up FM from Brest, France, here in Plymouth but need a hand crank solar radio too.
Have you ever done a comparison of similar size solar radios from a dead battery to full charge to find out which charges fastest given the radios happen to also have the same capacity battery?
You can get it for 44.00 with all the adaptors, I just bought the smaller one, 2 for 27.00 Walmart.com
I recommend Fospower a3 (changeable 2x 18650 battery + radio is water reprellent)
You've got a nice summer tan on. BEAUTIFUL
Any form of info from the outside world during a grid down situation is important. People today are addicted to outside stimulus. Living in a house with absolute no noise can drive you crazy. Try turning off your electricity off for a few days and listen to the silence. it can cause you to go insane. I have been without electricity for over 2 weeks and any outside stimulus would have been nice. Makes the time go by quicker.
John D
Last hurricane, my power was out 5 1/2 days. ( I was prepared - no problem [ and,I did not have a generator either].).
📻🙂
"...the chair is against the wall. The chair is against the wall. John has a long beard. John has a long beard..."
I thought it was "John has a long mustache".
"The pig has eaten the nest. The cheese is in the trunk. The field mouse is fast but the owl sees at night. The dog barks at midnight."
Survival Theory
Correct. “John has a long Mustache “
Survival Theory
It IS mustache.
📻🙂
I have that item - mine has a siren that I plug into my PA system, so I can do the theme of the black sheep 😎
Black sheep siren prob went over a lot of heads here...lol.
Me, I hear that siren, I get the urge to jump into my Corsair and fly with Pappy!...lol
How do they do in very cold weather living outside?
very Nice review .can it be used full time on my night stand as a noaa alert in case of nighttime bad weather alert? of would you recommend a stand a lone noaa weather alert radio?
thanks
Great idea!
I want a rugged compact hand crank Sirius XM sound system
What radio do you suggest to date now? @canadianprepper
That's hilarious, all of my ex's live in Texas too lol
My X lives in TX too. I lived there for 12 yrs. I also have an X in Michigan where I lived for 32 yrs. Now im living in NC and single 4 life ✌🏻
*I think that maybe the solar (circuitry) and the radio would be nullified if SHTF because of a EMP detonation. However, until THAT happens I am getting one to use in the meantime! Seriously!*
What do you think of Tecsun PL680? I need a good shortwave radio to use from home. Thanks.
Exactly!
My friend Juliano really needs to buy one. I have tried to tell him for a long time, but he wont listen. What should I do in order to make him buying one?
Hi will the voyager radio work in the UK. I.e the radio frequency etc etc
Theres an alternative one for 23$ at canadian tire it might not be the best but for 23 bucks what do you want you can even charge ur phone solar powerd and crancked
I think one must get one that can also transmit for emergency communication. Is there such one that exists?
9:22 ... there it is! No digital for me...
ATTENTION:
June 1st is NATIONAL YELLOW RADIO DAY.
( ...And the first day of Hurricane Season).
This day is set aside to remind people, wherever you are, to be prepared for [ any] disaster. ( large or small).
{You can GOOGLE -
National Yellow Radio Day “( And see what pops up)
Good video.
📻🙂
CP likes a stiff, smooth, crank. Duly noted. :)
But seriously, I've never been a fan of crank radios. Every single one I've seen has been a cheap gimmick and I've never known anyone who put more than a few minutes cranking on one or actually used one for any length of time in a real situation. I've got lithium ion battery powered lights and a basic solar setup to ensure they always have power which I consider far more reliable than any crank light. Radios are pretty easy on batteries. You can cheaply stock a LOT of days worth of radio runtime in batteries. But yes, batteries have a shelf life and self discharge over time. That is why I prefer a general purpose solar setup over crank or even the tiny solar panel on this radio. My little Anker 14 watt panel with USB AA and 18650 chargers will get a lot more done than that crank or solar panel. I suppose if you live on frozen planet Hoth where it's dark half the year solar might not work in which case I'd be stocking batteries. Put a multimeter on that crank and solar panel and do the math. :)
Sweet that’s what I have 😘👍✌️.
All the radios are much more expensive now, almost tripled in price. Do you really use the short waves? Would the Kaito Voyager eco or Fospower A1 work as a bugout bag or blackout radio?
I have the KA500 voyager. What or how does the NOAA function on the far right knob above kaito on the radio work
Would you still recommend these radios or are there better options today?
Thanks, long time subscriber.
Location makes a big difference.....whats your location? I assume its better to be on the east coast.
... can you update this - if time allows? Thanks in advance.
Is the Amazon one's good enough
You should to talk about the most important item to have in your kit. The Bible.
4:45 should have shown the entire length of the cord as proof this thing can charge a phone.