Companion
Ultra-compact emergency radio with flashlight & cell charger

By Freeplay (COMPANION)

Freeplay continues to stay at the forefront of self-powered radios with the release of the Companion. The Companion is a radio, a flashlight, and a cellphone charger, all in a unit that's only 125 mm long (4.9") and 200 g (7 oz). It has a solar panel and a crank so you'll never run out of power, and you'll never have to buy disposable batteries.

The Freeplay Companion Radio promises assured listening, anytime, anywhere. This compact, robust radio boasts a rubberized body with recessed control knobs for impact resistance and comfort. Big on functionality, but small in size, the Companion is a radio, a flashlight and a cellphone charger that fits easily into your bag, your glove box or your drawer – ready when you need it, where you need it. The AM/FM radio has an earphone socket for personal listening. The flashlight has 3 LEDs with optics optimized for a focused light. The integrated cell phone charger means that you’ll never be out of touch because of dead batteries.

Offering a choice of self-charge, solar and external recharge power options, the Companion delivers complete independence from wall power or disposable batteries while ensuring sustainable access to information and entertainment. Freeplay’s patented self-charge technology means excellent reliability. A 1-minute wind gives you 20 minutes of radio listening at normal volume, or 30 minutes of light, and you can wind some more at any time for as much play time / shine time as you want. An LED charge level indicator tells you the best speed to wind.

In direct sunlight the Companion will charge itself and play continuously. The internal NiMH battery can be fully charged from either the solar panel or an external charging adapter (any standard mini-USB AC charger will do), to give 12 hours of play time (depending on volume), or 16 hours of shine time.

Designed as a companion for those who appreciate the security of a failsafe radio and who value independence from conventional power sources, the Companion is fun and convenient, anytime, anywhere.

Construction

Outer Casing

Thick walls with reinforcement for high structural and impact strength.
Rubber gasket seal for water resistance.
Rubberized panels for comfort and impact resistance.
ABS with non-gloss finish for lasting durability.
Ultra violet light (UV) stabilised for colour retention and stable mechanical properties.
Cadmium and chlorine-free.
Polycarbonate lens for optical clarity and impact resistance.
Controls
Recessed volume and tuning control knobs for impact protection.

Features...

• Rechargeable NiMH battery built in
• Solar panel
• Built-in crank means never running out of power
• Headphone socket for personal listening
• Bright flashlight with no bulbs to burn out
• Cellphone charger with Nokia charging cable

Benefits...

• Green energy – a sustainable product that’s built to last.
• The Companion offers a real alternative to grid electricity or fossil fuels – never worry about buying, carrying or disposing of batteries again.
• When the battery runs down and you need to wind for power, the Freeplay self-charge mechanism converts your kinetic energy into stored electricity.
• Wind even when the radio’s playing or the flashlight’s shining to top up the battery at any time – never be left in the dark, miss the end of that song, the end of the game or that last item in the news report.
• Wind to put power into your cellphone even while your call is still in progress – never drop that call.
• The plastic molding and rubberized grip makes it easy to carry and use when the weather is cold.
• Compact, rugged and weatherproof, the Companion is perfect around the barbecue, inside your home, out camping or as a vital source of information during storms or blackouts.

More than just a good idea...

The Freeplay companion is another example of renewable technology being successfully integrated into common household items. It helps keep batteries out of our landfills, and reduces the need for more hydroelectric or coal-fired power stations.