C.Crane CC Radio Solar AM FM NOAA Weather Alert Emergency Radio Review
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- C.Crane's CC Radio Solar AM FM Stereo NOAA Weather Alert Emergency Portable Radio is the Premium Receiver to Get! The Performance blows away any other Emergency Radio on the Market. All Bands are well Above Average in Reception, Huge Solar Panel, AA or 18650 Power, AM DX Tools, Fifty Presets, Bright Flashlight, and an Alert Mode that can be Always On. What is not to Like? :)
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Features I love about the CC Radio Solar:
Solid Build Quality. Smart Use of Materials.
Excellent Speaker Audio.
Low/High Power Modes.
AM Reception is Incredible. If you like to DX, you will enjoy this Portable.
FM Reception is up there with the EP-Pro !?
Fifty Presets. Five Quick Preset Buttons.
Smooth Volume Control.
Bright Flashlight.
Clock/Alarm.
Optional AA Battery Operation.
Power Bank Feature to Charge USB devices. Solid 5V@1A Output.
FM Stereo on Headphones Sounds Fantastic.
Glow in the Dark Flashlight Button.
Sleep Function.
Lock Out Feature.
NOAA Reception is Excellent. Six out of Seven Channels Received in my Area.
1kHz Tuning for MW.
Three Bandwidth Filters for MW: 6, 4, and 2.5kHz Modes.
Dynamo Crank is Easy to Use.
Frequency can be Displayed All the Time.
Four Brightness Settings for the LCD Backlight. Stays on when hooked up to USB power.
Expanded FM Band when Choosing 9kHz Tuning. 76-108MHz.
Oversized Internal Ferrite Antenna.
18650 3,400mAh Protected Button Top Battery Included.
Features that could be Added or Improved on:
Remove Popping sound when using headphones, and Changing Bands/Seek Tuning.
A Perfect Emergency Radio! I would recommend this to anyone that is looking at Premium Emergency Portables. Yes, this is better than the Sangean MMR-88, and worth the extra money. The CC Radio Solar can be used Everyday, and you will find yourself wanting to.
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▶ The CC Radio Solar at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3qFNHw7
Also change to 9 kHz step on AM, and does it change AM bandwidth from 2.5 kHz to 6 kHz?
@@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY Yes, the radio is able to use the three bandwidth filters while in the 9kHz Tuning Mode.
Just ordered on of these based on your recommendations. I went through a bunch of other you tube channels claiming to review emergency style radios. Yours was the only one that seemed to be run by a real person, not a computer. Also, the others did not really review anything, just quoted the catalog specs. Cool channel and thanks for your help.
This radio is amazing! You are going to be happy with it.
I agree with you Jamie, on all points, I too searched for information on emergency type radios and found the same results. This review was a clinch. Ordered one a few minutes ago. Thanks Todderbert!
I like the idea of an emergency radio that can be left out on permanent display. This seems like an everyday radio that has emergency functionality and is pretty much just what I have been looking for. Without watching hardly any of the review I think I'm already sold.
Just received mine. I've had several emergency radios similar to the C Crane. This radio is far superior to all the rest. I'm really impressed. I'll will be purchasing 2 more as gifts for family members.
I wonder how many Kaito Voyager KA500s with shortwave I could buy for the price of this AM/FM radio? I`m afraid to look at the price.
I have the Solar Observer radio and I just love it. I keep it fully charged at all times and check it monthly in case it needs to be topped off. I love the fact I can charge it by solar as well as by the hand crank. I live in the mountains and radio reception is poor except with a C Crane radio. I can't sing their praise enough
If you put up a long wire antenna, you'll improve your reception even more. You can also earth ground the radio and that will often lower noise a bit. You can try grounding the negative battery terminal to a ground rod.
I just bought this. I had a emergency radio with a built in battery and during the hurricane I just went through the battery died. Thus no radio. I bought this one because I can throw fresh batteries in it. That’s a big one. Don’t be like me and never buy built in battery emergency radios. You’ll get screwed. This radio is solid. If you buy an emergency radio, pick up a cheap AM/FM radio that runs on AAs for music. A cheap one of those will run for a long time. Anyhow this radio has everything you want.
Awesome! I recall the 2021 catalog showing off the radio and everyone was wondering "where is it?". It's here and ToddErbert is doing the review 2 days before Christmas. I'll call it an early gift for Christmas 2022. The CC Pocket on steroids! Thank you, Todderbert! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone.
Merry Christmas Rich.
I finally bought a radio without one of your most excellent review! Love this radio, one of my Best Buy’s this past year (and I bought lots of radios this past year due to this channel). My only issue is the solar recharging takes forever.
Nice thorough review as usual. Thank you. A definite "BUY" in my book.
It is a worthy pickup :)
I always enjoy your videos. Best wishes from the San Francisco Bay Area.
Awesome review..As a CCRANE fan, I can’t wait for mine to arrive….Quality Quality Quality…..
Thanks, Todd. I ordered mine based on your review and the reviews of a couple other people I trust. All were very consistent. Great videos on your channel.
Definitely want this thing. This has to be my favorite Emergency Radio.
It is sweet. I recorded some band scans, and it did fantastic.
Thank you for showing page 20 of the manual. That alarm has been ringing at 6am every single day for months! Not anymore ❤
Great Review! I have bought the cc pocket back in June 2021 and its a nice small radio
Hello. Well yes thanks to you this is my new bathroom radio well deserved . Everything you said it was and more. Once again thank you. RON Z. WA3090SWL.
It is one heck of a radio. Glad there is a company making a decent Emergency Receiver.
I always enjoy your reviews of these awesome radios & this one from what I see is by far amazing, I’m seriously considering purchasing one after watching this.
It is one serious radio. You will love it, money well spent.
Very classy which is expected from this great company😊
Hey Paul, Merry Christmas. Thanks for the Hat!
Excellent information. Thank you.
Great review! I love these CC radios. They rock! Thanks for doing this review. I'm getting the CC Pocket and this one. I have been researching high and low and these radios are the best 2 for me.
Hej Todderbert Wow a very nice emergency radio and with many nice features and the speaker sound wow. And I have been looking for several emergency radio devices to buy I only own one. And this one seems like a sweet gem definitely a radio I, need to add to my radio buy list take care and thanks for the review.
Thank you. Great video review.👍😉
The Bluetooth model review is coming soon... :)
@@todderbert looking forward to it. I'm thinking about buying the cc radio solar with Bluetooth.
@@45acpP90 Cool, will be a week or so.
This is a great Radio with the power options I've been wishing for. It is more of a luxury Emergency Radio to have a home. What has me concerned is the silicone-rubber linings, I hope it is not the type that gets sticky & gooey as time goes. Thanks for you review, I am looking into the Sangean MR-99 too.
Thanks for this thorough review! The only thing missing was a short comparison with the Solar Observer. I use the Solar Observer as my bathroom radio and only have to recharge it every few months using the ac/dc adapter. It has served its purpose, but this Radio Solar appears to bury it with modern features.
The CC Solar Observer is an excellent receiver. I am surprised how well it pulls in the stations. Sometimes simplicity is the best answer :) The CC Radio Solar is for the Digital crowd.
Thank you so much for making this video todderbert! Quick question -- Does the alarm clock wake to a radio station or just the beep sound?
Great review. Thank you. Thinking about getting this for myself.👍
Love the quality of C. Crane Radios. I have the Skywave SSB, its an amazing little radio. Looking at this model for an "Emergency" Radio.
Can't go wrong with this one. It is my favorite out of all the emergency radios available.
I think you talked me into it. Thanks, it will be C Crane # 6. 📻😎
Great review! Will have to look at getting it! Bit expensive in Canada.
Very thorough review. Awesome job.
Much appreciated!
$100 and still no hinged battery compartment lid. I'm a fan of C Crane, though. I'd like to see other color options. Meanwhile, I'll stick with my MMR-88. (if only it had AA battery option, would be perfect).
I wish CCrane sold to Brazil. We don't have any options to buy CCrane rádios here, the most popular brands here are Tecsun, Degen, XHDATA and Radiwow. I recently bought my first shortwave radio which was a Sihuadon R-108
Sihaudon is a decent radio :)
I'm so torn. Been searching for a great WX radio. Love your Vids! Now, I love the sound, BT & RDS of the MRR-99 but the reception & power options on this CCsolar.. Ugh!
Always go for Reception, and Battery Life.
@@todderbert so, CCsolar is the best or what others should I look at? Thank you for the advice!
@@jrb.3985 CC Solar is the best I own, though just a simple AM FM WX band radio will work fine. Keep spare AAs around.
@@todderbert That's what I'll order then. I need the best reception I can get. I trust your knowledge. I can live without the other features & I'm sure I'll enjoy the CCsolar a lot. Much appreciated!
That looks really nice
I am confused as to the functionality of ALERT. "Our Love is Alive" by Gary Wright, I remember that song! They should have some short wave.
Something noticeably was that even on low power mode it takes about twice as much energy to run as the Skywave. It does seem to have great functionality though as a high end emergency radio.
The Speaker is more powerful for sure.
Japanese FM bands, 9 kHz step for AM.
The blue tooth version releases next month.
this is xmass 22 ,,,all of it , looking forward to it
Bought one from the Todderberts favorites on Amazon January first 2024 . I'd be interested in knowing if you got credit for the sale ?
Thanks
T/C/E
Cant find this radio for sale in Europe. Looks like a nice one to have.
C.Crane Ships Worldwide.
@@todderbert Thank you sir. Swedish customs put salty fees on stuff from outside EU
9 kHz AM tuning step, Japanese FM bands, but for VHF Weather Band, you can listen to TAXI radio conversations.
I now have this great little unit thanks to Todderbert!
I don’t know if anyone can help, but the WeatherStation volume is noticeably weaker than AM or FM. This is with loud feature on. Frustrating because for obvious reasons loud volume is what’s needed on NOAA.
Actually AM is easily the loudest for whatever reason.
Also, included 18650 works fine. However, using 3 aaa Eneloop batteries nothing happens? Does it need alkaline only in aaa?
Use Alkalines when needed. Not sure of the quiet NOAA band, but some radios do that and you have to turn them up.
Music is too loud for too long. Otherwise good review as usual.
Thanks, Merry Christmas Joseph.
Hey todderbert! So it seems like C Crane sort of rules the radio world in modern day - any classic radios I should prioritize picking up as someone new to the hobby?
GE Superadio I, or II. Panasonic RF-2200 if you have the funds.
@@todderbert Awesome!
Micro USB is a disappointment. Should be USB-C in this day and age.
For radio receivers only and powerbanks, some USB-C radios like HRD-747.
How about AM tuning step set to 9 kHz? Does it expands from 522 - 1620 kHz? Or expand up to 1710 kHz??
FM only expands to 76-108MHz when 9kHz stepping is set. The AM band will be 522 to 1610kHz as well.
@@todderbert 522 - 1611 kHz but expands only up to 1620 kHz.
Test the USB input to charge phone or operate with USB foldable fan? In Midland ER210, plug directly and works, Eton FR1 for CELL button, Eton FRX2 must scroll to CELL mode to operate it’s USB powerbank..
Yes, I mention this in the video. Mine automatically starts charging when a device is plugged in, 5V@1A. The manual states to hold down the light button for two seconds to turn it on. So if you connect a device that does not automatically start charging, follow the above instructions.
Great Review. Does the Sleep Timer kick in automatically like with the Sangean’s that have 90 minutes by default?
It is Adjustable from 120-90-60-45-30-15mins by holding the power button as you turn the radio one. Once set it will remember this Sleep Setting the next time you turn on the radio.
@@todderbert That’s Cool. I wish the newer model would have HD Radio.
Todd I'm curious, would you choose this radio over the Sangean PR-D4W strickly in regard to performance reception? I sort of like the Sangean better because of the 4 "D" cell batteries.
Sangean for AM/NOAA. CC Radio Solar for Better Portability.
Do you know if the AM reception on this radio can be improved by a loop such as the tecsun an200? With the radios I use here, whichever radio I put the loop by receives the best.
The CC Radio Solar benefits from a passive loop mainly during the Day. Evening, this thing is a super champ, and rarely needs one.
@@todderbert ok, Thanks
Is there any scale that determines how much one radio is more selective than another?
Will the battery indicator stop flashing when it is fully charged?
Yes, but the back light will stay lit if you want.
Thank you
Can that radio be charged by plugging into a 12 volt cigarette lighter in a car using the kind of a adapter I use for charging my cell phone ?
I really like that radio and would be taking it in a motorhome off grid at times.
Thanks for a great review.
Yes, I have a 12V to 5V micro USB myself, works like a charm.
@@todderbert Thank you very much for answering his question. I'm going to use this radio at times in my bus off grid, and charge it with a solar station USB port at home at times. 😎
Edit ... haha I just realized you responded to my OWN question, I'm FINALLY getting around to buying one.
I am currently experiencing something strange with mine. All of the sudden, I get no am/fm reception. No static at all. The weather band is still receiving though. I removed all of the batteries and covered the solar panel for 15+ minutes, resetting the radio. And then I hit the 1 and 5 buttons to restore defaults, but this issue is still existing. I don't use the radio often, but this is a first. Anyone else experienced this with this radio?
Sounds like a possible defect, I would call C.Crane and see what they can do for you.
@todderbert Thanks! I did contact CCrane, and they asked me to send it to them. She talked like it was an issue that they haven't came across, but would try to take care of it by repair or replacement of the radio, with me only paying for shipping.
I paid like $18 and shipped it back, and they sent me a new radio! They are so good to deal with! They said it was more expensive to repair than it was to replace. They did say the AM was receiving when they got it, but the FM still was not. Maybe something got jarred during shipping. Both of the customer reps that I spoke to, sure knew Todderbert! I mentioned that I sought advice on a well known CZcams radio reviewer's page, and they both guessed you! I was like, "Yes! He does an awesome job of reviewing radios!" 🙂
@@rickmcgarrah7111 Awesome to hear :)
I bought two of these because it seems to be every thing I could want in a dooms day radio , but one of these had an issue . I followed the manual . charged up the unit for 12 hours . I pressed the emergency l.e.d. and the button failed on the very first push . the light came on but the button would not turn off the light !!!! , so I removed the battery and the light went off . I replaced the battery and tried the light again it would not come on ???? The button it self is broken . I'm returning to Amazon , but I'm keeping one . it only has a 1 year warrantee , will C Crane stand by their product ? will they repair it ? We'll follow up .
C.Crane has the best warranty service. Call em up, you get a person instead of a robot.
concerning the 18650 battery, if you were to get a replacement, would it be possible to replace it with one with a higher mah to increase the power output time, or is it specially designed only to handle the specific mah amount it comes with? I’m not well versed in batteries but I know 18650s can be found in a variety of mah capacities
The highest real capacity of an 18650 is 3550mAh by Sanyo/Panasonic. The battery that ships with the CC Radio Solar is 3400mAh. So you really won't see much of a difference in run times. The nice thing is that most Protected Button Top 18650 batteries will fit it. You can pick up quality Protected Button Top batteries from 18650batterystore.com
@@todderbert thanks for the info, it’s been awhile since I’ve vaped and thus, used 18650s regularly so I couldn’t remember how high you could get them, thought it may have been 4000+
As for this radio, I’m heavily considering it. I find having an easily replaceable 18650 much more appealing than having the rechargeable aspect of most other emergency radios being hardwired in, so that when your battery can’t hold a charge, your whole unit might as well be trash unless you can figure out to to take your radio apart and solder in a new battery
It would be worth a hundred bucks if it were waterproof, and the rain is-a comin!
Greetings from Eagle Pass Tx. One question, this CC radio solar radio resists some rain
They built it with a little water resistance in mind, though they do not state it anywhere in the manual. I would only risk it to some morning dew if it were left outside the Tent overnight. Rain would be an issue, and should be avoided.
Hello Mr. T would you really say this is a real dxer or just average . Thank you for your consideration. Best regards. Ron z. The north American shortwave radio and toy robot museum. WA 3090 SWL.
A real DXer for an Emergency Radio. Blows my Mind :)
If the radio is plugged in, were you able to have the light on all the time, so it could be a dedicated clock radio? My radio turns off after 10 seconds. The manual implied there was a way to keep the light on.
The radio has to be plugged in for the light to be on. You can then set the brightness level by pressing the light and power button together.
@@todderbert I am able to change the brightness level but the light still turns off after several seconds. The radio is plugged in. Are you saying the light stays on your radio? Maybe I have a defective one.
@@gershon2481 make sure it is on the lithium setting. I use the optional AC Adapter that they sell, but it should not matter. Will test that right now. Hooked up to a USB 1A supply, and the light stays on while it is showing a charge of the lithium battery. I remember the light staying on after the battery was charged.
You may have a different firmware, call C.Crane so they can troubleshoot your issue.
I have a lamp on my nightstand that has a USB C charging port. I leave my radio plugged into the lamp with the supplied USB Micro cable. The radio light stays on and it also indicates that the radio is charging. The dip switch is in the down position.
@@todderbert Just a follow up. The issue was my usb charger. I used a different one and now the light is always on, as it should be. The first usb charger was a 3.0 and the one that works is a 2.0, maybe that had something to do with it.
Why does the door show "For AA Power" when you said the radio takes AAA batteries?
I say Three AA Batteries when I opened up the battery bay door: czcams.com/video/NP8b4W-mj7E/video.html
@@todderbert Ah, I heard three A batteries. Missed the word "double". Probably wished it was AAA and heard what I wanted. Thank you.
Where is the radio manufactured?
Did you notice you got a Copyright Claim for your video? You might want to edit it out…
Actually, not a copyright claim, it is info on the track used from the CZcams Music Library.
Can this radio withstand rain and high dusty winds?
No, you would have to make sure it is in a Dry Bag.
How would you compare the AM sound coming out of the new CC Radio Solar speaker vs the existing CC Solar Observer for talk radio?
oh, good comparison. I have to take them out to find out. The CC Radio Solar seems to have more bass when the high power mode is active. The Solar Observer has a great speaker, which I find pleasing to listen to for hours.
@@todderbert thank you
Is this better than the observer?
Overall, yes. There is something to note, the Observer is an Excellent Receiver, and has no Digital Display that could fail. Less button/switches as well. Some like its simplicity. If you need to have an Emergency Phone Charger as well, then the CC Radio Solar is the best bet. The Observer can't charge much with its little internal NiMH battery. If all you need is a dependable AM FM Weather Radio then the Observer is great, and will save you cash.
@@todderbert thank you for the reply I joined the cc crane email and they are giving me 7 percent off any radio. I think I will buy this one getting the discount
Where its made in? China/Usa?
Made in China.
Albino u miss me