Description

We carry only one self-powered emergency radio model, and the KA500L is the one.
Here’s why: 4 ways to power the radio plus a replaceable lithium battery, exceptional AM, FM & Shortwave band reception, plus 7 NOAA weather bands with alert system. We’ve sold Kaito radios for about 15 years, and this is the best model we’ve seen. Highly recommend getting one before the next storm.

The fit & finish of the Kaito KA500L is great. A solid feel. Strap handle with rubber grip. Well laid out control knobs with easy to read & understand labels. Smooth tuning. Compact size. The analog tuning dial is easy to read and use, and is a more reliable tuning method for an emergency radio than LCD displays which can break or fail over time.

Yes, this is a very good radio receiver. Online reviews will testify to Kaito/Tecsun’s quality and reputation. But we are a solar power company, so the design of the power system is very important to us, and this is where the Kaito KA500L excels.
The power system is built around a replaceable Lithium storage battery (2,000mAh 18650 model). Replaceable is important – without it, you’ll be trying to solder a new one into the case in 5 years. Lithium is also important – this chemistry will not self-discharge like NiMh batteries do, offers longer life, and holds more energy for longer run times.

The built-in solar panel has been upsized to provide more passive power. In fact it is quite a bit larger than those found on any other emergency radio we’ve seen. This means faster charging during daylight hours.The KA500L radio can be kept charged at all times by simply keeping it in a bright window. Ordinary sunlight will charge & maintain the internal lithium battery pack. The solar panel can also power the radio in direct sunlight (when strong enough). To maximize sunlight exposure, the solar panel is tilt-able so you can find the optimum angle to receive sunlight.

The high-quality AC-type brushless hand crank generator provides handy short-term charging during emergencies. It is cranked easily, and offers a smooth, quiet action. We’ve tested & sold a wide variety of these dynamo/solar radios over the years, and a smooth, quiet crank is very important – it speaks to the quality & reliability of the unit. Should you run out of power in the internal battery during a prolonged blackout, simply crank the handle to get additional charge. 30 seconds of winding provides over 30 minutes of play (at moderate volume).

On the back side of the solar panel is a 5 LED reading lamp that you can use it to read while the power is out.

LED Lighting Feature…

1. LED reading lamp for camping and emergency use.
2. White LED flashlight
3. Red LED blinking for emergency alert.

USB Charging : For The Radio, and Your Phone…

The KA550L radio can charge from USB, and can also be used as an emergency charging station for most USB electronics. Its built-in USB jack can connect with standard USB enabled gadgets like phones & mp3 players.
NOTE: TESTED & VERIFIED that it works with Apple iPhones, & iPads, plus Android devices.

Charge the radio from USB – a wall charger or a computer port. Even pair it with an additional solar panel like the Arc10W, Nomad 5, or Stellar 6 Kit.

KA500L : 6 Power Options In Total…

1. Dynamo Cranking Power

2 turns per second (120 turns per minute) cranking will power the built in Ni-MH battery pack with strong current and voltage.

2. Solar Panel Power

Under direct summer sunlight, the solar panel is able to power the radio directly. The panel also charges the internal battery pack when the radio is off, or when the panel is producing more power than the radio is using. Keep the radio in a bright window, and it will always be charged & ready.

4. Built-in rechargeable & replaceable battery pack

The replaceable lithium 18650 battery pack will run the radio for over 12 hours when fully charged by the dynamo, solar, AC adaptor (not included), or USB source.

5. AC adaptor (optional)

This allows you to charge from a wall outlet. With so many other ways to charge, this is an accessory you may not need.

6. USB source

Charge from a computer via USB port, or use any USB wall adaptor.

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Kaito KA500L Radio Receiver Features…

1. AM: 520-1710 KHz
2. FM: 87.00- 108.00 MHz
3. SW1: 3.20-9.00KHz
4. SW2: 9.00- 22.00KHz
5. Weather Band: 7 standard bands for all stations
6. Weather Alert: To be activated by weather alert signals

Precise tuning is achieved via PLL crystal control circuit for stable reception.

What’s in the box?

KA500L Radio
Lithium 18650 Battery