With the launch of multiple FM channels all over the world, the concept of radio has received a new lease of life. Now, it not only provides information but also entertainment in the form of music and other programs. The use of radio is still constrained because it comes integrated with mobile phones. However, this all might change with the use of solar powered radios developed recently by researchers. These radios are not only powered by sunlight, but, in many cases they features an MP3 player for complete entertainment. Also, they provide ways of exploring new communication technologies for an extended reach among diverse audiences of the world.
Red Cross radio
Developed by the Eton Corporation, the Red Cross Radio plays on a solar cell. It is basically a FR150 Microlink radio, which can be extremely beneficial for travelers. Introduced in the American market in 2008, the Red Cross radio features a set of seven NOAA All Hazard Alert, AM/FM and cell phone recharging capacity. The radio can also be used as a multipurpose LED flashlight.
Visor radio
This cap shaped, solar powered radio is for those who love music on the go. Named as Visor radio, it plays FM/AM radio channels with a crystal clear sound. Inbuilt power speakers attached on both sides of the cap make the use of this radio easier. Moreover, a weight of 100 grams doesn’t prove a burden over the head.
LifePlayer radio
Developed by Lifeline Energy Company, this solar powered digital radio is specially built for community entertainment in rural Africa. It features an MP3 player along with the radio and has a high storage capacity of 64 GB. Music files can be copied on the internal memory via microSD card, which can also be used for recording radio programs. The device can be used for playing radio programs or music for 60 to100 people at a time.
Solar powered Radio
Introduced in 2009, this solar powered radio functions even when there is no sunshine. For this, the engineers have integrated a hand crank system with the Solar Radio. It allows to play the AM/FM radio for 30 minutes for every one minute of rotation of the hand crank . The eco friendly portable radio comes at a very low price of $24.95.
The Solar Palm radio
The Solar Palm radio is a highly portable and sleek entertainment device for playing AM/FM bands. The small size of 6.5 x 10.5 x 1.5 cm allows you to carry it in the pocket. It features an internal rechargeable battery, which provides a run time of 4 to5 hours when fully recharged. There is also a LED flashlight for emergency use. The palm device comes at a very low price of about $16.
Solar powered bamboo radio
Designed by University of Plymouth students, this solar powered radio is completely made from bamboo. It has been produced in two versions. The first is the desktop version and the second is a portable device made from hand woven reeds. The developers are hoping that the commercial production of this unique radio will help in setting up an eco friendly social enterprise in Madagaskar.
ULTIMATE Dynamo Solar Powered Survival Radio
As the name suggests, the Ultimate Dynamo Solar Powered Survival Radio is designed to be your best companion even under extremely harsh conditions. It features a cellphone charger, a communicative radio for use when the normal channels stop functioning, and a torch light. It also comes with a siren, a charging cable, AM/FM and 7 NOAA weather bands.
Pure Digital Dynamo & Solar Powered RadioKA600
The Dynamo & Solar Powered KA600 radio is best suited for use in all kind of emergency situations. It can be played directly on solar power, which also recharges the internal battery. The KA600 radio plays seven weather bands and can be used for receiving prior information about any impending natural disaster. There is also a super bright LED panel, which can be used as a flashlight.
Robert’s solar powered DAB radio
Designed by Roberts, this is the world’s first solar powered DAB radio. It contains solar panels, which either directly powers the radio when exposed to strong sunlight or recharges the internal battery when the intensity of sunlight is low. It can play for about 27 hours when fully recharged. Moreover, its battery can also be recharged conventionally from the main line when their is no sunlight. The DAB radio can play Band III and L. Also, it features an LCD display for information about programs, headphone socket and a line in jack for connecting other audio devices.
Solar Tronics solar powered radio
Solar Tronics is a basic solar powered radio designed for outdoor communication and entertainment. Along with the sunlight, the batteries of this radio can also be recharged by rotating a hand crank. The Solar Tronics plays for about 35 to 40 hours when fully recharged by the sunlight, and for seven hours when recharged by the hand crank. It also features an all weather resistant body, AM/FM and WB (weather band) frequencies.
