How long does the hand crank take to charge it?

Cranking is a slow trickle charge meant to keep the radio running for short broadcasts, not to fill the battery. Use USB-C when you have power and save the crank for outages.

Does the NOAA Alert work on its own?

Yes. When you enable NOAA Alert, the radio switches on automatically to broadcast emergency weather alerts. Leave it on standby during storm season.

Can it really charge my phone?

It can charge most smartphones and tablets over USB, but the built-in battery is small. Expect a partial top-up rather than a full charge, and use solar or crank only as a last resort.

Will it pick up shortwave stations?

It receives shortwave, but a compact radio with a short antenna is limited. Extend the antenna fully and tune slowly at night, when shortwave reception is usually better.

It is weather-resistant, not waterproof. It handles rain and splashes, but do not submerge it or leave it in standing water.

What comes in the box?

The radio with its built-in lithium-ion battery, integrated solar panel and integrated hand crank. A USB-C cable is not listed, so plan to supply your own.