As far as useful gadgets go… the Eton Solarlink FR500 is pretty handy. You get a radio, rechargeable batteries that recharge from the wall, solar, or hand crank, and a flashlight, NOAA weather, and more… Not bad for under $80 at Amazon.
- AM (520-1700 KHz), FM (88-108 MHz), Shortwave (6000-12100 KHz)
- NOAA weather – all 7 channels plus “Alert”
- Siren and Flashlight
- Can be powered from four different sources:
- From the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that takes charge from the dynamo crank and from an AC adapter (not included)
- From 3 AA batteries (not included)
- From the AC adapter alone (not included)
- From solar power
- Analog frequency dial with digital display
- Built-in cell phone charger
- Digital clock function