Just ordered one of these on Amazon for $9.99 and free shipping .
- NOAA Weather Radio - Rechargeable NOAA/AM/FM Emergency Radio, Portable Pocket Radio, Longest Playtime, Best Reception, Digital Tuning, Auto Scan&Preset Function, Time Display, Mono Headphone Socket
The black ones are $19.99. I guess they're trying to get rid of the green ones. Which I a totally like better anyway.
The reviews are mixed and one problem is that the new model and old model reviews all are in the same list...
This one is the rechargable model which also has some additional features.. I'm not expecting much for $10 but I wanted something that played louder than what I had, and the reviews all say the speaker is plenty loud.
Here's one review that seems to give an accurate description what to expect:
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Well been running it all night the past several nights and in the morning it only used maybe half the charge, and I plug it back in to recharge.
All I've used is the AM to listen to the all-night Coast to Coast AM program. It has good sound from the speaker and the reception has been clean.
Haven't really bothered with the other bands yet as my purpose of purchasing was primarily for a cheap AM receiver. For $9.99 it was well worth it. And that's about as far as I intend to review it.
While the reviews had no praise as it being good for dx or shortwave reception, but my take is if you're looking for high quality then dont be looking ar a $10 radio!
It's good that it can receive all the bands including NOAA is a plus. Also the AM band goes up to 1700, whereas I noticed many ultra-cheap radios like this only go up to 1600 (presumably because it's the top of Chinas AM band).
Still, $10 a pop is still a bit much to offer as promotional giveaways.. For that need to look into something like this for only 99 cents each from Ali Express. Not sure how many you need to buy to get it at that price, if you only buy one it's $3.62
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806874547162.html
That, at $1 a peice would be ideal as promotional giveaways. Biggest drawback.. like so many, it only goes up to 1600. I dont know if many part 15ers broadcasting that low (not sure if as anyone still does)
@richpowers You posted twice the same post so I deleted the duplicate.
I have been so happy with this Mesqool CR1015 radio. The charge seems to last forever, its playing almost constantly, It also charges very fast. And good bold sound, and a nice solid feel to it too.
After using it for a few months I thought I suggest it again.. Except for one thing - It was only $9.99 when I bought it two month ago, but I just checked and now it's $19.99 - I guess that it worth that, but it really kind of spoils the bargain. Glad I got it when I did. But even at $19 I would have been satisfied with it.
@richpowers Hard for me to listen to the sound of those little radios. Good audio is not their strong point. Audio is shrill on most of them and when turned a bit louder hurts the ears. Just me, but I prefer a more full mellower sound. But for the price you get a lot of bang for the buck with that one in features.
I give out these in the picture to potential listeners in my area if they need a radio. Good reception with our small signals, nice audio, and can work on regular A/C with cord or battery. $20.99 on Amazon.com,
For my own I use Sangean's, MMR-99, and H201. Great for outdoors in any weather. Also the Ccrane solar and the EP Pro are good too.
@mark Well, I see those for $32 (and up), whereas mine was $9.99. It's got good sound for a handheld and doesn't sound tinny. I think it was a steal for $10.
Has giving away radios benefited our Part 15 stations?
Has giving away radios benefited our Part 15 stations?
I don't know. I know there have been those that have done it. Personally I think it's a great idea if purchasing bulk at like $3 or $4 each. The big problem with that is those often only go up to 1600, and most of us Broadcast above that.
The thing is, now days most people dont even own a handheld AM radio and it's not something you can just walk in buy at your local Walmart or wherever anymore. I can see how giving away free radios to promote your station could prove beneficial.
But has any Part 15 stations actually benefited by doing it? Good question.
Couldn't hurt.
Has helped me as two of my listeners are using ones I gave them. A lot of people that would like to listen don't have radios or ones good enough for our small signals and I have to make it easy for them. Not just say just go to amazon and get one. Some people will say no no as they feel guilty if I get them one but I say I can afford it, it's nothing, consider it a lend.
If you want listeners you have to make it easy for them. A small investment as part of our hobby expense to have the few listeners we do.