The Kaito KA500 is a portable emergency radio that receives AM, FM, two shortwave bands and NOAA weather channels. It has seven preset NOAA weather channels with alerts for hurricanes, storms and other emergencies. Turn the switch to tune in, with no scanning required.
It runs on five power options. A built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery can be charged by hand crank, solar panel, AC/DC adapter or USB from a PC. The dynamo hand crank works even with no batteries installed. The solar panel adjusts through 180° for sunlight exposure. The radio also runs on three AA batteries, an AC/DC adapter or a USB cable, none of which are included.
A 5-LED reading lamp sits under the solar panel, and there is a built-in flashlight. The USB power output can charge a cell phone or small electronics using the hand crank. The battery pack is replaceable. The design is compact and lightweight for emergency kits, camping, hiking and bug-out bags.
- Radio bands
- AM, FM, shortwave SW1 and SW2, NOAA weather
- FM range
- 88–108 MHz
- AM (MW) range
- 530–1710 kHz
- Shortwave
- SW1: 3.20–8.00 MHz; SW2: 9.00–22.00 MHz
- NOAA channels
- 1–7 (7 preset channels)
- Sensitivity
- FM ≤ 20 μV; MW ≤ 2.5 mV
- Output power
- 200 mW peak via built-in speaker
- Headphone jack
- 3.5 mm
- DC input
- 6 mm, center positive
- Power sources
- Built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery, hand crank dynamo, solar panel, 3 AA batteries, AC/DC adapter or USB cable
- Lighting
- 5-LED reading lamp and flashlight