Dynamo Radio

A dynamo radio is just one type of emergency radio that does not need batteries, an electrical outlet or sunlight. The word "dynamo" indicates a radio that is capable of operating via a motor that produces direct current when a handle attached to the outside of the radio is rotated for at least 10 or 15 minutes.

One of the first electrical generators ever developed, the dynamo was a device that Thomas Edison declared would revolutionize electricity, but Tesla proved him wrong when alternating current replaced DC current.

With the world today so dependent on electricity, any type of serious disaster that knocks out the power grid leaves millions of unprepared people crippled, helpless and in the dark. For those who anticipate catastrophes by stockpiling food, clothes and first aid supplies, having a dynamo radio included in those supplies can provide them with a way to stay in contact with the outside world in the event of a worst-case scenario such as a nuclear or wide-scale terrorist attack.

Dynamos versus Generators

A dynamo is a motor that generates DC current while a generator produces AC, or alternating current. Emergency radios using crank power are able to work without electricity or batteries because of devices called commutators that convert AC current into DC current.

With the interaction of wire coils, a structure called a stator that generates magnetic fields and an armature that facilitates displacement of electrons, a dynamo can power an emergency radio in any environment by cranking the radio's external handle.

Eton FR400 Hand Crank Dynamo Radio and Power Generator

Eton is a top maker of emergency radios and this crank radio serves its purpose in addition to supplying users with other handy features such as:

• An emergency siren to alert you to important messages transmitted by local and governmental agencies
  
• Built-in cell phone charger and a rechargeable Ni-MH battery
  
• LED lights
  
• Ability to use three AAA batteries or an AC adaptor when you do not wish to use the dynamo motor
  
• Access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which is responsible for alerting areas of impending dangerous weather
  

Weighing only one and a half pounds, the Eton FR400 is also water resistant and holds up well in excessively wet or humid conditions.

Midland ER102 Emergency Dynamo Radio with AM/FM/Weather Alert

For people who live in regions where severe weather is a common occurrence during certain times of the year, the Midland ER102 Emergency Radio provides an automatic warning system that alerts you when dangerous weather conditions such as tornadoes, floods or blizzards are entering your area. This radio also has:

• Seven preset weather channels (162.400 to 162.550 MHz)
  
• AM/FM channel reception
  
• An alert override option that automatically flips over to AM/FM in order to immediately provide pertinent weather data
  
• Three different kinds of alert signals--flashlight, voice or visual (designed for the hearing impaired)
  
• Four sources of power--dynamo (hand crank), AC adaptor, rechargeable battery or alkaline battery
  
• Cranking two times per second for 90 seconds gives you one hour of functioning
  
• Built-in alarm clock, thermometer, telescoping antenna and freeze alert
  
• An FCC certification Part 15
  

The Midland Radio ER102 not only supplies weather warnings but also child abduction, nuclear power plant, biological hazard, fire, landslide and civil emergency warnings. Weighing less than one and a half pounds, this radio works in such extreme temperatures that go as low as 14 degrees and as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, unlike other radios the Midland comes with an AC adaptor as well as a detailed operation manual.

A dynamo radio can also come equipped with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), a two-way radio technology that enables users to talk to other users who are also using this kind of radio. Other features to look for when purchasing an emergency radio include channel scanning capability, at least a one year warranty, rugged exterior material and high/low power settings to conserve power when necessary.

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