Reviews Ambient Weather WR-333 Emergency Solar Hand Crank Weather Alert Radio, Flashlight, Smart Phone Charger

This Ambient Weather WR-333 Emergency radio seemed just right for us, as we didn't need the strobe and the siren of the higher-end model. Everything functions as described, the radio reception is good and the speaker volume goes louder than we'd need it.

I love this radio! I love the fact that it has so many options such as solar, crank, AC plug and if you wan to put batteries in it you can do thast too! Bottom line...if you are thinking about a weather radio or just a radio that you can use no matter what happens...this is it!! I also got the power cord as I listen to the radio it in my kitchen everyday.

• The WR-333 is a Digital AM/FM NOAA Weather Alert Radio, a powerful 3 LED flashlight and cell phone, MP3, MP4, Amazon Kindle, Apple IPod, Ipad, IPhone and USB charger, all in one portable package
• The WR-333 is a six way charger-charge from a USB device (computer), AC or wall power (with optional converter), DC or car charger (with optional converter), 3xAAA batteries (not included), hand crank, or solar panel
• The WR-333 sets itself apart from other crank chargers-you can fully charge the WR-333 through the USB/AC/DC adaptor and when you need it, charge the cell phone/mp3/mp4/USB with no cranking
• The WR-333 utilizes a powerful, non-proprietary CR123A 3.7V/600 mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery to provide lasting emergency power. This battery can easily be replaced after years of service
• For IPhone users, connect directly to the WR-333 USB port

The Ambient Weather WR-333 Emergency Solar Hand Crank Weather Alert Radio unit has an easy to read backlit LCD display, and a great digital tuner that locks on to frequencies with clarity where other brands would just give static. It's nice to see a dynamo radio that isn't deaf as a brick.

One of the really nice features on this model is the carabineer style clip instead of a tiny wrist strap. Finally, an emergency radio that is worth it's salt! Well done Ambient Weather, and thank you so much for not only an outstanding product, but also for the opportunity to test and review it.

Measurements on radio:

• Charging current when hand cranking at 120 RPM: 250mA
• Charging current in sunlight: 25mA
• Charging current with USB connection: 150mA
• Power consumption on standby, radio off: 136uA (0.136mA of the 600mAH capacity) This would translate to fully draining the battery in 6 months if kept in the dark on standby; if kept by a window, it should get enough solar charging current to maintain it indefinitely.
• Radio on: 25mA, volume at minimum, 35mA+ at normal volume
• Weatherband alert standby mode: 19.3mA
• Flashlight: 65mA
•  Output voltage of DC-DC converter 5.15V

DC-DC converter turns on only when load is detected at the USB charging output port; when left unconnected, it turns off automatically to minimize power drain. For all those complaining about the product just remember that this is a simple emergency radio with some nice features. I tested and used every feature on this device and they all work fine.

I highly recommend this Ambient Weather WR-333 Emergency Solar Hand Crank Weather Alert Radio. I was so pleasantly surprised with the superior build quality of the Ambient Weather WR-333 radio that I actually had to show it off to some friends and family. Yes, it is made of plastic, but this plastic doesn't feel all cheap and flimsy like competing brands; this radio feels much more solid, and doesn't creak, groan, and flex when cranking the dynamo.