Wind Up Solar Radio emergency hand crank radio with SOS alarm, flashlight & built-in cables (7400mWh / 2000mAh)
Product description
What it is and why you might want one
This Wind Up Solar Radio is an emergency-style radio that’s designed to keep working when mains power is unreliable. It combines a hand-crank and solar charging approach with a built-in battery (rated at 7400mWh / 2000mAh). On top of that, it includes an SOS alarm and a flashlight/reading light, so it’s not just for listening.
On paper, it fits a very specific kind of purchase: you want something to sit at home for outages, but you also want the option to take it camping, backpacking, or on trips where losing light and phone power would be annoying (or worse). It’s also the kind of device people reach for during storm season, because weather alerts are one of the few “timely” pieces of information you can still get when the grid is down.
The essentials: radio, weather alerts, and emergency power
A big part of the appeal here is the radio functionality alongside emergency features. The product description says it can access NOAA emergency weather broadcast information (along with AM/FM stations) using an extended antenna and a DSP chip.
There’s an important limitation to keep in mind, though: the entry specifically notes that “the signal bands of the US version do not apply to the UK” and you should identify the bands when purchasing. So, if you’re in the UK and buying expecting full NOAA-style coverage, it’s sensible to double-check the exact band support for your region rather than assuming it will behave like a US model.
For power, it’s meant to be flexible. The description states the radio is mainly charged via a USB C cable, and in an emergency it can also be charged by hand crank and solar panel. It also mentions AAA batteries ensure power when you can’t regenerate power.
This means you’re not relying on just one “survival method”. It’s the combination that makes it more practical: you can top it up normally (USB C) and still have fallback options when you’re stuck without a wall socket.
What you’ll notice day to day
The most reassuring feature set is the way it covers multiple problems at once: information, light, and attention.
- SOS alarm + flashlight: There’s a dedicated SOS function described as a loud alarm plus bright light. The idea is straightforward—press the SOS button to sound an alarm and help get other people’s attention. The flashlight/reading lamp is positioned as a way to avoid stumbling around in the dark.
- Built-in charge cables: This model is described as “different” because it includes three built-in charge cables—Lightning, USB-C, and Micro USB—so you don’t have to hunt for the cable bundle when you need it.
A small “micro-use” example: imagine a power cut at night. You’d typically (1) charge the radio via USB C beforehand or via hand crank/solar if you haven’t, then (2) use the reading light when you’re moving around the house, and (3) keep the radio handy to catch any broadcast updates. If you’re outdoors and someone’s lost sight of you, the SOS alarm is the “everyone notices” mode.
Key takeaways (where it shines, and where it may not)
This is a solid fit if you want an emergency radio that also acts as a light source and includes multiple charging options without needing extra cable storage.
It may not suit you as well if you’re expecting guaranteed UK-specific NOAA coverage. The listing itself flags that the bands differ for the UK, so you’ll want to verify compatibility with the bands available in your area.
It’s also worth noting that, while it can be powered via hand crank and solar, those methods are “helpful in an emergency” by design rather than a replacement for regular charging habits. If you let it sit empty for weeks, crank/solar can help, but you may still find the device less convenient than something you top up consistently.
Tech specs
- Battery capacity: 7400mWh (2000mAh)
- Charging methods mentioned: USB-C (main), hand crank, solar panel, AAA batteries
- Built-in charge cables: Lightning, USB-C, Micro USB
- Emergency features: SOS alarm and flashlight / reading lamp
- Weather broadcast access mentioned: NOAA and AM/FM via extended antenna and DSP chip
Is it worth it?
A good buying verdict depends on what you want it for. It makes sense if you’re after a multi-function emergency radio for UK home outages and you’d like the practicality of built-in charging cables, plus an SOS alarm and light. It’s also a sensible pick for travellers who want a compact “power + light + alerts” tool rather than only a basic radio.
You may want to skip it if your priority is dependable NOAA weather broadcast reception in the UK without needing to verify bands first. The listing is explicit that US band signals don’t automatically apply to the UK, so if you can’t be bothered with that check, it might end up frustrating.
Mini FAQ
FAQ: Common questions before you buy
Does it work in the UK for NOAA weather alerts?
The description says NOAA weather broadcast access is part of the design, but it also warns that the US version signal bands don’t apply to the UK. You should check the bands/region support when purchasing.
How can you charge it?
The listing states it’s mainly charged via USB-C, and can also be charged via hand crank and a solar panel in an emergency. It can also use AAA batteries.
Are the charging cables included?
Yes. It’s described as having 3 built-in charge cables: Lightning, USB-C, and Micro USB.
What emergency features does it include?
It includes an SOS alarm and a bright flashlight/reading lamp, with an SOS button intended to trigger the alarm.
What’s in the box?
The entry lists: 1 hand crank radio, 1 user manual, and 1 lanyard.