Radio - wind-up, solar, rechargeable...
I've been very inspired by the "non EHU survival" thread here, it's got me thinking. And we're just at the start of our caravanning!
Has anyone made use of wind-up, solar, or rechargeable radios? We don't intend to take a TV with us, but do like a bit of radio. There's always battery powered ones, but it's good to use less batteries, they're far from green!
I've read a few reviews on Amazon, (not that I'm ever buying anything there, but that's yet another thread!) but you can never be sure who's really written them & how independent they are. Some seem to be useful, others appear to need vastly more time winding or charging than listening.
Any comments or information welcome, please.
Thanks,
Richard
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I have one of these and it works really well.
I got it from Amazon!
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We have used all sorts of radios while camping and caravanning down the years! Wind up ones are ok, but as ValDa says, they don't last long! Why not embrace technology, and charge your smart phone while on the go in your car, and use a small speaker if you are sharing sound or earphones if listening solo? The sound quality and reliability are far superior to much of yesterday's gadgets.
We take a small Bluetooth speaker with us nowadays, and link it to either IPhone or iPad. All can be charged through USB in car, or adapter, and we do it while on the move, so very eco!
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Certainly something worth considering Richard. And a good idea. I like Valdas Idea with its own solar cell - very sexy! Batteries are not the most environmentally friendly thing but, as long as they are recycled properly so they can be dealt with, I don't see too many problems. Its when people start chucking them anywhere including the countryside that they become a problem.TTDA has a great idea and does similar to me. I have data with me so I can keep up to date with what's going on. Not that I listen to the BBC, I want the truth! - so its alternative media for me and that is the internet Im afraid.
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Just had a look at the make of the Bluetooth speaker I bought my OH, it is from Archeer. About 10x4x5 inches, length, width, depth, so very compact, easily travels in one of our little top lockers in MH. Sound it produces though is superb. I will try and post a link, it is an Amazon site, but like you, we try and avoid things via Amazon!
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Apologies it doesn't seem to be a live link!
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Thanks for these ... hmm, we may yet end up having to buy a smartphone... !!
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I've got a Roberts D A B / F.M. radio with rechargables
in it along with a charger of a different make which
will recharge alkalines as well
Doubtless those with Solar Panels & perverters will
make use of that system
B
oooh, Sorry
my fingers are playing games !!2 -
I have a cheap and cheerful Duronic radio, it's wind up and solar (fm and am) The solar has worked well for several years. I also had a Roberts solar and rechargeable battery radio, it was expensive and stopped working and I won't be buying another one! Because I listen to the radio quite a lot I treated myself to a Sony usb charged pocket radio (dab and fm.) See here (look for better prices on amazon etc.) It is the best little radio I've found, although tiny the sound is excellent and I can charge it up easily from a usb socket or solar charger.
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We also use a small blue tooth speaker that I link to the phone or pad to listen to classics fm, or downloaded music if no Wifi. The speaker is a Bose, which although not the cheapest, it is difficult to believe the quality of sound from such a small device. Although we always use EHU and have a fixed radio in the van, the quality is usually much better over the Internet.
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The solution not mentioned so far is to fit a car radio. I haven't gone this route I have bought a Ruark R1 radio. This can be plugged into the 12v supply and really doesn't take too much power. It also act as a Bluetooth receiver. It wasn't cheap and tbh it's too good just to use in the van so it comes home with us and I use it in my office.
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You could always buy lithium rechargeable batteries for your existing radio. At the end of their life they are almost 100% recycleable. Basically they take them and refine the contents to make new batteries.
if you don't have a radio yet then see if you can get a second hand one.
That's probably more environmentally friendly than buying a new radio with all the toxic chemicals used to make the circuit board, plastics, and chips.
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Agreed on the buying 2nd hand bit, for just that reason, yes.
Of course with radios it's OK. Not so easy with computer & communications stuff, where it's probably several generations out of date once it's more than a year old, and non longer supported! But yes, I'm all for not introducing new mucky chemical stuff into the cycle - we've just bought a refurbished tablet for just that reason.
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I had one of those battery less radios.
One day I turned it on and the weather report said summers here hot sunny days all summer!
The news told me world peace had been achieved and the economy was getting better every day.
Then I remembered it was a wind up radio. . . .
Sorry, couldn't resist
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We have a Roberts DAB digital radio charge from electric at home then leave in window to charge from the sun whilst away. Lasts for ages. Just had to replace the battery after about 5 years use got it from Roberts think the battery was about £20. Like new again.
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