When an emergency strikes Encore Buddy is ready to power up even after being stored for months without being plugged in. It will keep working when there is no power and reliably receive radio transmissions. For safety the integrated flashlight lights your way in darkness. The Encore Buddy is also a very nice everyday compact radio for listening to at home, in the garden, on a camping trip or where ever you may be. When the Weather Alert function is on, the radio will automatically broadcast NOAA emergency weather alerts for your area such as severe storms, hurricanes and tornadoes . With the Encore Buddy sound is clear and crisp and the digital tuner ensures you can always pick up the stations you need whether you are listening to AM/FM or NOAA Weather band. The back-lit display makes it easy to find and see your stations even when the power is off and for quiet listening you can plug in your headphones. To charge your mobile phone, simply plug it into the 5V 1A USB port. Power will automatically charge your phone, just like plugging into the wall. Fully charged the Encore Buddy will provide a 25% charge to most phones. The Encore Buddy powers up in 4 different ways - via the solar panel, hand crank, USB connector, or from your wall socket via an optional AC adaptor. Put the Encore Buddy in the sun and the built-in solar panel will top-up the battery. Crank the hand handle for one minute and you'll produce enough power for approximately 20 minutes of radio at normal volume, 60 minutes of light or 3-5 minutes of talk time. Like all Freeplay products the Encore Buddy does not compromise on robustness and quality with mechanical components made from superior materials, specified to industrial standards for repeated use and long life.
T**S
Three Stars
It's flimsy and subject to easy breakage. Bring back the old larger version.
B**S
The Solar panel had two highly visible gouges scratched into ...
The Solar panel had two highly visible gouges scratched into it. Obviously the radio I rcvd was never inspected, and should have never left the factory to begin with.
R**Y
) and it was only good as long as you kept a charge on it ...
I have owned several FreePlay devices over the years. The first one was the early iteration of this model, without any digital display. It worked for about 2 years, then the dials would malfunction and you had to leave it on one channel. The antenna pulled apart and I had to buy a clip on model to get reception at that.In between time I bought a large flashlight also from CCrane which lasted about the same period of time, then the wind-up broke internally (never was it wound to the maximum tension!) and it was only good as long as you kept a charge on it from the 110V input. Even though the crank had a 12 year warranty on it, with 5 years on parts, when I called the company to inquire about sending it in for replacement or servicing, I was told they don't accept those anymore and instead they sent me about a $10. hand held wind-up as a replacement. I took it on my boat and viola, it lasted around a year.I am not hard on my stuff. I always keep original packaging and when I am not actively using something, I pack it away. I hate buying things over and over and will make every attempt to p[reserve the things I have so as not to waste money. Maybe that's why I have a 35 year old MC that I ride everyday and would take anywhere (and have).Think twice about this purchase or any other FreepPlay item they sell. I'm cured.Just so you don't think I am griping for no reason, here's a pic of the old lantern in pristine condition.
