Kaito KA011
Solar & dynamo multi-band radio with digital display
by Kaito (KA011)
The KA011 is the big brother to the KA008 6 band radio. It receives AM/FM & 4 shortwave bands with the accurate tuning and clear sound found in more expensive radios. It can be powered 4 ways: AC, solar, wind-up, or with 3-AA batteries (not included).
Self-powered...
The KA011's solar panel & hand crank charge an internal memory-free NiMH battery that can power the radio for up to 24 hours of play on a full charge. The solar panel is able to power the radio directly when placed in full sun - even when the batteries are dead. The dynamo hand crank also powers the internal battery, & is designed for use when the sun & an AC outlet are not available. It will provide approximately 30 minutes of play from 90 seconds of winding.
The KA011 uses a digital tuner, and also incorporates a clock with alarm.
Special feature...
The KA011 radio also features an emergency LED flashlight built into the side of the radio. This bright little light will run for hours when you need it, making the KA011 multi-band radio an even more essential emergency preparedness tool.
Do I have to wind it?
No. The solar panel is able to power the radio directly when placed in full sun - even when the batteries are dead. The dynamo hand crank also powers the internal battery, & is designed for use when the sun & an AC outlet are not available.
Well built
Kaito doesn't build their radios out of steel, but their self-powered line are built very well nonetheless. A compact, hard plastic shell, with integrated solar panel, smooth winding dynamo handle, and fixed carry handle. The whole radio face is about the size of your hand, and only about twice as thick.
A quick comment about the dynamo... we've tried a wide variety of radios, and Kaito's are among the smoothest, most qiet mechanisms. Certainly on par or better than models from Grundig, Eton, and far better than the old Sun Mate models.
The controls are logically placed, and very easy to understand without using the manual. The analog tuning knob only offers a single scanning rate, but is not overly fast or annoyingly slow. Station reception is easily optimized, and there is no drift to speak of.
In the box...
Includes earbud headphones, AC adapter, & soft (wire clip-on) antenna for pulling in distant or weak transmissions.
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