Cingular Go Phone: Et?n American Red Cross FR405 - Portable radio

This is a fairly decent radio. I live in an area where we don't pick up many radio stations and that's okay. I needed it for severe weather alerts (we live in a hurricane zone) and it does just what I need it to do.

The one problem I initially had is the manual's poor instruction. I had to contact Eton about it. The manual explains how to set it to alert you of weather warnings. The instructions were fine, except where they said, "select the strongest weather station." I was scratching my head trying to figure out how to know what the strongest weather station was. In vain, I searched online without an answer.

I contacted Eton (the maker) and was given just the perfect answer: To select your weather channel, switch the alert setting to the off position. You will then be able to hear the weather band. Go through each channel to see which one is the clearest. Once you select it, switch it back to alert and you are all set.

While I appreciate their answer, I would've preferred to have had that tip to begin with. It sounds like a simple answer, but I was following the instructions for the alerts.

In any case, it works well and does just what I need. I read a review elsewhere where it said they were awakened in the middle of the night to an alert that said the weather was clear, but I am pretty sure that it wasn't set to "alert." As the instructions they gave me indicate, you can switch on the weather without being on alert.

All in all it does what I need it to do and without any major problems, now that I know how.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Etn American Red Cross FR405 - Portable radio - white

Product Description:
If you live in an area subject to hurricanes or severe storms, this is the ideal emergency radio for you. It is self-powered and water-resistant to help you weather the storm. Listen to AM and FM radio to stay apprised of the emergency situation, and hears the most current weather conditions and severe storm updates on the NOAA weather channels. This device allows you to keep your cell phone charged and at the ready, while the flashlight and siren can be used to alert rescuers to your location. Make safety your priority. You'll be prepared for any emergency.