When your outdoor adventures take you off the grid, you need a device that can fill multiple needs. The American Red Cross FR500 is a compact unit that you can toss in your rucksack and take anywhere. It functions as an AM, FM, and shortwave radio with NOAA weatherband. It also has a flashlight, an emergency beacon, and an emergency siren. Plus, you can use it to charge your cell phone or MP3 player. This little wonder can be powered with the hand crank, or solely by the sun—solar panels make this a very “green” device. Of course, battery power and AC power are also options.

• 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