Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio (Red)

• 60 turns of the crank gives you 60 minutes of battery-free power
• 4-band tuning: AM/FM/SW1/SW2
• Fine tuning control allows you to pinpoint every signal
• Built-in emergency light
• Built-in DC jack and earphone jack
• 2.5" speaker
• Runs on 3 AA batteries (optional)
• Heavy-duty, splash-proof ABS construction
• Fold-away crank handle
• Soft, nylon carrying case
• 1-year manufacturer's warranty

Emergency lighting and radio tuning all in one compact package. View larger.

The easy-to-read radio dial. View larger.

The hand crank recharges the integrated rechargeable battery.

An emergency light shines the way.

Power When You Need It
At the heart of all of Eton's emergency radios, including the Grundig FR200, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio and flashlight. According to the product manual, to achieve 40 to 60 minutes of uninterrupted power you must turn the crank at a rate of two revolutions per second for 90 seconds. In our test, after our initial 90 seconds of rigorous cranking, the FR200 powered right up and was still going strong with radio reception after an hour. At the hour mark, we briefly turned the flashlight on, and that too was at full force, with no perceivable drain on radio reception. The FR200 can also be powered via an AC adapter which, to our dismay, is not included, or from three AA batteries, also not included. The dynamo crank tucks itself nicely into the side of the radio and offers little resistance as you turn the handle. (Don't let the cranking requirements frighten you! A full 90 seconds of turning the crank can be tiring and may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we also recharged the radio with less than a minute of cranking and achieved over 40 minutes of continuous power.)

Design and Controls
At slightly more than a pound in weight, and with dimensions of 6.5 x 5.75 x 2.25-inches (WxHxD), the FR200 is designed to be tucked neatly into its handy nylon carrying case and can be easily stored in an emergency box, or packed neatly for a camping trip. An LED flashlight is set on the front of the radio, just to the side of the analog tuner. The flashlight is designed to help you down an unlit stairwell or enclosed hallway in a pinch, but the light is not directed or strong enough to help you much in a pitch-black forest or other open area. The radio and light can be operated simultaneously, though of course at the expense of power.

The FR200 includes a handy strap on the top of the radio for easy carrying, and the tuning and volume knobs are set to the side. The mechanical controls are extremely visible and easy to use. The volume control is a bit difficult to finesse, while the tuning knob, on the other hand, which features a smaller concentric fine-tuning control knob, is much easier. An earphone jack is set into the back, and the telescoping antenna tucks neatly behind the handle strap. The radio's 2.5-inch speaker is set directly in front and offers reasonable audio quality for the radio's purpose. The tuner itself is not illuminated in any way, which makes sense for reasons of power conservation, but in a darkened environment, it's literally impossible to see. For an "emergency radio," it seems that Eton might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, For an "emergency radio," it seems that Eton might have addressed this problem with a self-illuminated background or lettering, as they did with the FR250, FR300, FR350 and FR400 models.

Tuning and Bands
The FR200 offers 4-band tuning -- AM, FM and two shortwave bands. Our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good, though there was some extra fine-tuning on some of the stations. Our shortwave reception, however, was a mixed bag. We tested in the early and late evening, searching for signals in the more heavily populated SW1. While we found several signals during our test, honing in on them took a bit of finesse with the fine-tuning knob. And when we did find them, there was static and background noise with most of the signals.

It became clear during our testing that the FR200 is an emergency radio, with several outstanding features that include shortwave reception; its shortwave functionality, however, is not its primary selling point. But for a basic, entry-level and economical emergency radio to use in a pinch or during an outing where access to electricity is an issue, the Grundig FR200 more than suits the bill.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator

• Tuning dial should be illuminated for darkened environments
• Shortwave reception inconsistent
• Should include an AC adapter

I like this radio's reception and perfomrance better than the Coleman generator radio. Also, the size is much more convenient than the Coleman radio.

I wish it were easier to find the AC adapter.


So great! Small, light and completely useful...   September 22, 2004
E. Miller (Seattle, WA United States)
100 out of 103 found this review helpful

This thing is so great! With only 90 seconds of cranking the handle, you get up to an hour's charge... the flashlight part is not big, so it won't light a large area, but it's perfect as an emergency device. Radio works perfectly and there is even an earphone jack should you need to use the radio without disturbing others. This may sound geeky, but it's a perfect thing to give every family member to keep in their rooms in case of emergency. For the price, it's a really smart thing to get BEFORE you need it. If you are in a hurricane or tornado-prone area, you should really get one for your home. The red color actually has a little bit of a metallic sheen to it, so this thing is not only very practical, it looks cool, too.

Another good Grundig product is the Blackout Buddy - a smaller, plug-in device that you leave in a wall socket until you need it ... it's a flashlight, radio and clock all in one.




All (reasonable) Things Considered--A GOOD Radio--A GREAT Value!   January 29, 2006
HippoRadio (Charleston, SC)
97 out of 99 found this review helpful

Below is a reposted review originally published on the page detailing this model in the yellow color ASIN: B00065HM1Y

I ordered the "yellow" model here...and found several "surprises". The Grundig (now Eton) FR-200 is a small "auxiliary" AM-FM portable which adds general shortwave radio coverage, an LED flashlight, and a three-way power design that allows for a quick "pick-me-up" to a replaceable and inexpensive rechargeable NiMH battery pack similar to one used in the typical cordless phone. A few minutes of cranking, `n you're back in broadcast business. With these options, it's virtually impossible for this radio to not find "juice". The FR-200 is imported by Eton from Tecsun in mainland China, and is marketed exclusively as an "emergency radio"...but I'm thinking--"perfect for the canoe and camping trip" where one wouldn't wish to lose something more costly to the elements.

The reviews on this product have run the course--from favorable--to horrible. This would clearly indicate either a serious quality control problem...a lack of reviewer perspective on just WHAT objective this product was designed to meet...or both. After pondering this unique little $40 radio for over two years, I finally unwrapped and evaluated one (the package exterior said "yellow"--a neon-orange model waited inside). The FR-200 is less than HALF THE COST of its most-similar alternative--the Freeplay Summit (which I have ordered--and twice returned because of substandard performance), so I was somewhat skeptical of this product format. Upon closer examination and use, the less-expensive Grundig (while not brimming with "digital glitz" and rows of small silver buttons) is higher in overall performance, easier to pack and carry, and much more "disposable" should that situation arise. My prior skepticism has turned into consumer gratification. This product is satisfying, useful, and an unquestionable value. Here are my performance observations...

AUDIO QUALITY: The sound of the FR-200 is crisp, clear, and natural. While far from "room shaking"--this unit is fine as a close-in companion; and more-than-adequate for its intended purpose as a standby "blackout radio", or convenient portable "sidekick" at home, in camp, or out on the water.

RECEPTION ON FM: The worst goes first...The FM capabilities of the FR-200 are sad to barely acceptable, depending on your listening location. In a small community, ANY nearby local station with brawny signal strength will overload the circuits in this radio to a point that renders it nearly useless--unless you enjoy the offending local station, which will populate itself on nearly the entire FM dial--crowding out even not-so-distant stations from out-of-town. In an urban area, with many powerful "close-in" signals, the FM band becomes a jumbled and distorted mess where "ONLY the strong survive"--but barely! Interestingly, out in fringe areas, where brutish FM signals are few and far in-between, the band shows signs of intelligible life...a plus for rural listening!

RECEPTION ON AM: Other than a few expensive "AM niche" and world-band receivers, the FR-200 is possibly one of THE BEST portable AM radios you can own! Sensitivity, selectivity (in the absence of a strong local station), and recovered audio quality are OUTSTANDING! NEVER have I seen a radio in this class (and several other classes for that matter) that provides as rich an AM listening experience. During the daytime, even very distant AM signals are intelligible and less-assailed by the all-to-familiar "circuit noise" that hinders weak AM station listening on most radios. Sensitivity remains consistent from the low (530 kHz) to the high (1700 kHz) end of the band--NOT typical for an AM receiver section in a radio at this price point. Right "out of the box" my FR-200 easily caught, and faithfully reproduced in early afternoon, six AM stations from Chicago--over 250 miles from my location. At night, this radio becomes a pint-sized DX-delight. Virtually EVERY channel is "alive", yet moderate-to-strong signals remain "separated" and fully intelligible. In the rare occasion that you may find, and choose to listen to, an AM station with a music format--you will find a hint of "hi-fi" in the reproduced audio. This level of AM performance is usually the domain of the "CC Radios" of the market; and at less than one-quarter of their cost--the FR-200 is an "AM standout". Here's another possible application: Your FR-200's headphone jack + a patch cord + the line input on your surround-sound = FAR BETTER AM reception and audio on that system.

RECEPTION ON SHORT WAVE: Plainly put--it is "pedestrian" at best. If you're shopping for shortwave agility--continue your search. Nor do I recommend this radio as an entry into "the world of shortwave", either. The SW feature on this product is obviously a "convenience item"--which turns out to be operationally inconvenient at times. The technical idiosyncrasies of that band are such that the ability to optimally receive it demands a product design with a distinct focus. Interestingly, Eton-Grundig is a "shortwave company" that DOES NOT market the FR-200 as a "shortwave radio"...It merely "includes" that feature.

THE GOOD ON SW: Prominent domestic and international broadcasters with big signals WILL find their way to your tiny FR-200, and strong stations can sound fairly good on this radio. In early afternoon (NOT a preferable SW listening day-part), I found the higher band ("SW-2") to be fairly-populated, and I was able to receive tiny 1000-watt CFRX Toronto, Canada here in the Midwest on the lower (inactive-by-day) "SW-1" band--a "catch" typical for a more-expensive rig designed for SWL. At night, on the active lower frequencies ("SW-1"), reception is generally decent with the built-in telescoping rod antenna, and can be improved with a "roll-up alligator-clip" wire antenna ($15 at "The Shack"). Unlike many small SW radios, the FR-200 can tune well below 49-meters (6 MHz)...even down to 90-meters (3 MHz) where several obscure domestic and western-hemisphere stations live by night. The laws of physics--and the laws of "affordable design" generally work to inhibit easy reception on these channels (if available) on low-cost SW radios. My FR-200 did an admirable job of snagging several of these signals with only its included antenna.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD ON SW: Little is gained thru a decent receiver design if the user can't find or identify a desired station. Imagine tuning a radio with your eyes closed. That would describe the experience of hunting for a SW station on the FR-200 solely based on frequency info. Three design factors (I should say)--design compromises make this radio a chore to tune overall--and nearly impossible to "direct tune" on shortwave. (1) This receiver's "single-conversion" RF design permits strong signals to repopulate themselves on an additional frequency--causing interference to other stations and confusion for the user. (2) Nearly the entire shortwave service is "squeezed" into two "bands" that occupy a minimal 1.75-inches of band-spread. Now that's "touchy tight", especially when you consider that... (3) This unit's manual slide-rule tuning (coarse and fine) is "mushy", and the numerical frequency layout is poorly calibrated.

IN SUMMARY: What we have here is a nearly-charming, color-coordinated campsite or canoe companion that can't come up short on "juice"--but CAN provide acceptable sound and outstanding AM radio reception in the middle of nowhere. A demure radio that throws in a nice bright tent-filling LED light so you can try to find that hyper-paranoid "end-of-the-world" shortwave talk show host to go with your adult beverages around the campfire. Even this radio's dismal FM reception might be mitigated by the location you tote it to, but I wouldn't bet on finding your favorite Jazz-Fest on "Wilderness 98.1", so few points are lost! There are more-expensive products in this class that do NO better job--and cheaper offerings that do NO job at all. Finally, if a bear tries to eat your trusty FR-200...or the canoe it's in capsizes--just find another forty bucks and start all over with a different color! I plan to keep mine...I'm getting fond of Neon-Orange.



Buy it for emergencies, use it everyday (Updated 2 years later)   June 7, 2004
clickz4 (Metairie, LA United States)
73 out of 73 found this review helpful

From reading the other reviews, I see most people love this radio, but some dog it. They're both right. Your level of satisfaction with this radio will have more to do with your buying motivations than the product.

Grundig has a well established reputation for making fine products. If you are a shortwave enthusiast who is looking for a good shortwave radio, sadly I must admit that you need to keep looking. The tuner is iffy (by your standards) and it does not have the 'Grundig Feel' of their more expensive products.

But notice Grudig calls it an 'Emergency Radio,' not a shortwave radio.

If you want something for peace of mind -that you will never be caught without a radio because of dead batteries- then this is a great product. I live in a hurricane zone and every time there is a storm approaching, all my friends wait in long lines to buy batteries. I know I'm ready 24/7. As an added bonus I'll always have a flashlight with me. (which is more handy than I would have guessed)

(Here is the kicker-) If you want an emergency radio AND you like to listen to the BBC or Radio Canada every once in a while, then this is definitely the product for you.

I've had mine for a year and a half and I use it at least 3 times per week. The best way to describe the tuner is "credible." It can pick up all the big name stations, even indoors, but it is not stunning. The tonal quality is acceptable but I'm usually listening to the spoken word and not music. (I have an iPod for that ;-)

I bought it because I wanted a cheap shortwave. The fact it had a crank and a flashlight was gravy at first, but it is more and more important as I use it.

Some notes about the battery:

You'll never turn the hand crank enough to fully charge the internal battery. I have a fancy NiCad charger so I charged the battery fully and it lasted 6 weeks of near daily use during Gulf War II. (I'd guess 120+ hours, I was amazed) Problem is, your arm would fall off before you got there. Even if you don't give it a full charge, I find the cranking to listening ratio pretty good.

But do what I do- I run it on NIMH AA's and it lasts for weeks. I never pay for batteries but I never have to crank it either. (unless the batteries die)

And a final thought on durability which some people discuss.

I've dropped mine several times even once from about 6 feet up while I was painting. I have one scratch on it but other than that, it really does look much like the day I bought it. The case is still tight and the controls firm. I give it to my 6 year old nephew and he cranks for hours with no ill effect. I'd say durability is quite good.

I hope this review helps you get a feel for the radio. If your needs come even close to matching what this radio was designed to do, then I feel confident it will exceed your expectations in the long run.

=====Update=======

Well, 2 years -and Hurricane Katrina later- I'll never be without this radio. We left town 2 days before the storm and I brought it with me. At night I could pick up WWL radio (50,000 watt clear channel) from Memphis.

My nephew (who I mentioned above) broke the antenna off for me so no shortwave for me any more but AM/FM works fine... That was homicide, don't blame the radio. It's now approaching 4 years old, I still use it weekly and it is still in good shape otherwise.

BTW- I came back in town just a few days after the storm to rescue some friends' pets and help get some people out of town. I brought extra gas, extra water, 5 days of food and this radio. That probably say it all.