Does what it needs to do.

electronics:

	• Kaito Electronics Inc. KA500BLK Voyager Solar/Dynamo Emergency Radio - Black Kaito Electronics Inc. Kaito Electronics Inc. average customer review:based on 12 reviews view larger image
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A Very Special Product

Though many buy it to keep handy in the trunk of their cars, the Kaito Voyager KA500 is not really just an emergency radio. It makes a great all around radio companion.

If you listen to a lot of radio for talk and/or music, take it throughout your house. Use it at your desk, use it beside your bed, take it to the restroom when you shower or when you are just resting, take it outside in the yard, take it to work, and take it on outings.

BANDS: It comes with AM and FM, both providing excellent reception (though the FM is not in stereo), has all seven NOAA weather bands, and has two short wave bands covering most of the spectrum.

POWER: It can be powered elegantly by 1) An optional AC adapter; 2) Three AA Batteries; 3) a connection to a USB port on a computer; 4) a solar panel which powers the radio when on, or charges it when off. Just keep by a window when not in use (the manual even claims that it responds to indoor light); and 5) its internal, replaceable, rechargeable battery pack.

CHARGING OF THE INTERNAL BATTERIES: The internal batteries (as distinct from the three AA batteries) can be charged by 1) the AC adapter; 2) the USB cable; 3)the solar panel; 4) probably by a DC car cigarette lighter adapter from a third party; and 5) by a concealable crank on the left side. One minute yields about an hour of radio play. And though it turns very easily, I would still always recommend caution with such devices. ** The fully charged internal batteries will easily yield a few days of on and off play.

OTHER FEATURES: It has a single-LED flashlight and a single-LED flashing red light on the right side which others here have claimed is visible for a mile. It has a highly functional five-LED reading light located on the underside of the solar panel which can swivel 180 degrees up and down or lay flush against the back of the radio. The positional flexibility significantly optimizes both reading and charging by sunlight. All light systems are charged and powered by all the same methods used for the radio. It has the ability to charge cell phones and comes with an appropriate cable and five connectors to support a wide range, with other ones supposedly being available. A common 2.5mm connector for my Nokia 5310 was unfortunately not included.

COMPARED TO THE LAST MODEL, KAITO 007: The pair of Kaito 007s I have had for more than five years are still for sale at Amazon and still garner a price only $10 less then the Kaito Voyager KA500. The older model lacked the weather channels, but had TV audio instead (would have been nice to have had again). It had none of the lights, cell phone charging, or USB powering and charging. The new one has a far superior solar power system, a cool rubberized coating, and is water resistant. The antenna now telescopes into the radio housing instead of folding and just sitting visible across the top of the radio. The integrated handle of the older model has been replaced by a combination rubber and canvas strap, which is just fine. And, most important, the rechargeable batteries are now replaceable, making the potential lifespan of the product unlimited. The batteries on my last one gave out after about five years and it became an AC-only radio thereafter.

CONCLUSION: Sure, a couple of the reviews complained about one or another feature not working properly. But that shouldn't matter either. The personnel at Kaito's facility here in Southern California are exceptionally kind, professional, and responsive, and the unit comes with a full one-year warranty. I've bought over five radios from Kaito, mostly from their own warehouse site, including a great pocket radio powered strictly by the sun, and there's no other company I trust more for the quality of their products and the decency of their staff.

OTHER: If you asked me to register any complaints about the Kaito Voyager KA500, I would probably have to say that it does not stand as securely as it could. When you bump it, it rocks a bit, then quickly resumes its position, like those weighted punching bag toys that always roll back up into a standing position after being punched. But that's really being picky. But you asked. I agree with those reviewers who marvel that it is not just one of the best emergency radios, that it is not just one of the best radios period, but that, for about $50, it is even one of the best products of any kind for the money. Remember that the AC power cord is not included, but is $9.99 extra and also available from them or from Amazon, and the USB charging cable is neither included or available from Kaito. Certainly Amazon carries one. But be sure to get one with standard male USB connectors on both ends. Great product. I've got two. Can't say enough.

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Power Loss LifeSaver

After a severe ice storm 2 years ago and a power loss of 6 days we thought this would be a great item to have on hand. Fortunately, have not needed it so far. In trying it out we found the reception to be staticy and station selection limited. That was disappointing.

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Does what it needs to do.

After yesterday's ice storm led to last night's power outage, we pulled out our radio to provide light and information. That's what we bought it for, and it performed as expected-- AM radio reception is good and the reading light is bright and useful. (We don't use FM during emergencies so haven't really used that function, and haven't had time to check out the shortwave adequately.) Was comforting to know that we could recharge by crank if needed. I have charged the radio by crank and with solar power to check their effectiveness and both worked well. The weather band reception is ok, but not as good as on our dedicated weather radio. The radio is nicely sized and has a substantial feel. My only complaint is that the power selection is a bit confusing compared to other crank/solar/battery radios I have owned.
On a side note, and not considered in my rating (I knew it wasn't included when I made the purchase), it would be nice if the AC adapter was included.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

The Kaito KA500 Voyager is the next generation emergency radio. It comes with all the features that you need in an emergency situation. The KA500 packs in a multi-band AM/FM and shortwave (SW) radio, 7 NOAA weather channels, five LEDs adjustable reading lamp, a multi-function LED flashlight - the super bright LED flashlight can be Bright Color or Red Color for normal or emergency use. All these features can be operated indefinitely without external power thanks to the high quality hand crank AC brushless generator. The solar panel powers the radio by itself and charges the built-in batteries as well. To maximize the sunlight, the solar panel is tiltable with at any angles to face the sunlight to receive the energy during day time. Furthermore, it can be used with 3 AA batteries allowing you to play the radio the old fashioned way, plugged it in an electrical outlet with the optional power adapter, or charged it from an external USB power source . The Kaito KA500 is a perfect radio for any emergencies and disasters. So put one in your household emergency kit and it will be ready for you to use in any emergency situations or get one for your families and friends. Weather Band - 7 NOAA Weather Channels - PLL crystal control circuit for stable reception Weather Alert - To be activated by weather alert signals 5 LEDs reading lamp for camping and emergency use White LED flashlight Red LED blinking for emergency alert 6 Ways of Power - Dynamo Cranking Power - 120 turns per minute cranking will power the built in Ni-MH battery pack with strong current and voltage / Solar Panel Power - under the direct sunlight, the solar panel will power the radio with no question / AA Batteries - You can use 3 normal AA batteries to run the radio with maximum reception (optional) / The built-in Rechargeable battery pack - the Ni-MH battery pack will run the radio for over 12 hours when fully charged / AC adaptor charge f

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