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  1. #1

    Default Single AA AM/FM radio

    I'm in the market for a small am/fm radio. My preference is for it to be powered by a single AA battery, weight 2-3 ounces, built in speaker plus earphone port, decent reception when out camping, water resistant.

    Before anyone says it, my IPhone does not have radio reception. Plus I prefer to keep the phone battery for phone and GPS/app use.


    I've done some online searches and none meet all my wants. Here's some of what I've come up with:

    Sangean DT-400W AM/FM Digital Weather Alert Pocket Radio (probably the best rated brand overall)
    2 AA batteries
    2.5 x 1.2 x 4.2 inches
    4 ounces
    antenna
    $54

    Kaito KA200 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Black (I'm leaning towards this one. Decent reviews, cheap so won't feel too bad if it gets damaged)
    2 AAA batteries
    2.3 x 0.8 x 3.5 inches
    3.2 ounces
    retractable antenna
    $13

    Horologe AM FM Pocket Radio
    2 AAA batteries
    2.4 x 0.6x 3.9 Inch
    6.4 ounces (seems wrong)
    wrist strap antenna
    $18

    Sylvania Portable AM/FM Pocket
    2 AA batteries
    3 x 1.5 x 4.75 in
    3.2 ounces
    retractable antenna
    $10

    Sony ICFP26 Portable AM/FM Radio (Also like this one)
    2 AA batteries
    2.74 x 1.50 in x 4.69
    3.04 ounces
    retractable antenna
    $20


    Any opinions? Any better options?

    Thank you.

  2. #2
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    I always bring a Sangean dt-120v. 2 aaa battery’s auto shutoff in 90 min ,no speaker.

    Thom

  3. #3

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    I have a different model of Sangean that I keep around the house for the baseball broadcast. I chose it because it had great selectivity and reception. I'm too lazy to go through all your choices above, but will confirm that the brand has good tech at least.

  4. #4
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    I would tend to look for a digital tuner. In my experience the wheel models are very imprecise, easy to bump off the station and hard to tune in on these low end radios. The slider a little better, but on this lower end it appears that there is really no thought to that aspect.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cheyou View Post
    I always bring a Sangean dt-120v. 2 aaa battery’s auto shutoff in 90 min ,no speaker.

    Thom
    Great radio.
    If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

  6. #6

    Default

    From what I've read, they all have modern digital tuning. My reading leads me to believe I might like having weather band. The first three choices all weigh about the same (4oz, 5 oz with battery) and have comparable play time with alkaline batteries (60-70 hours).

    Least expensive, but concerned about antenna as I am somewhat clumsy. I like the retro style. Earbuds not included.
    Kaito KA210
    2.8 x 0.8 x 4.5 inches: 4 ounces
    $19.59
    Panasonic RP-HJE120-PPK In-Ear Stereo Earphones, Black $7.85

    It seems Sangean manufactures C Crane. Earbuds not included.
    Sangean DT-400W
    2.5 x 1.2 x 4.2 inches ; 4 ounces
    $53.95
    Panasonic RP-HJE120-PPK In-Ear Stereo Earphones, Black $7.85

    Rubber side provide some protection. Earbuds included. CCrane specifically advises against lithium batteries but I haven't found out why.
    C. Crane CC Pocket
    2.5 x 1 x 4.25 in; 4 ounces
    75 hours of play on (2) AA batteries
    $64.99

    A bit larger and almost 2 oz heavier but can be used as a battery charger for rechargeable AA batteries. Not really a contender for me but I thought others might like it.
    C Crane CC Skywave
    1.1 x 4.75 x 3 in; 5.5 ounces
    60-70 hours of play on (2) AA batteries
    can be used as rebattery charger wth USB
    $89.99

    I know I overthink things; you don't have to tell me.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by perrymk View Post
    .............Rubber side provide some protection. Earbuds included. CCrane specifically advises against lithium batteries but I haven't found out why.
    C. Crane CC Pocket
    2.5 x 1 x 4.25 in; 4 ounces
    75 hours of play on (2) AA batteries
    $64.99...........
    I just got this radio a couple of weeks ago. It is very solidly made, has great am and fm reception, sleep timer that can be set from 120-15 minutes, lots of easy to access presets, speaker as well as earphones, it is the best small radio I have ever owned. I haven't had it long enough to be sure about battery life but I suspect that it is what they claim. That said, I would still take my Sangean 120 backpacking because it is way lighter and smaller, has very good reception and has some of the same features except the sleep timer is preset at 90 minutes, it has fewer station presets and no speaker or weather band.
    Last edited by TexasBob; 05-18-2018 at 09:17.
    If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

  8. #8
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    I always use and have good luck with the Sangean DT-180 AM/FM Pocket Radio. I've owned two so far, my first one lasted about five years before it malfunctioned, but I put a lot of time hiking with it before that happened. It is small, doesn't have the national weather serviced add on, but again, a good, small radio that has worked well for me over the years.
    "I told my Ma's and Pa's I was coming to them mountains and they acted as if they was gutshot. Ma, I sez's, them mountains is the marrow of the world and by God, I was right". Del Gue

  9. #9
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    I think that it will be hard to find a radio that runs off 1.5 volts.
    "May the four winds blow you safely home ..." ​Garcia, Kreutzmann, & Hunter

  10. #10
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    years back they ran off of 0 volts

  11. #11

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    I have 1xAA (no longer produced) and 1xAAA radios, but FM and ear bud only.

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by George View Post
    years back they ran off of 0 volts
    mine runs off a razor blade

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocketsocks View Post
    mine runs off a razor blade
    And a crystal?
    If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

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