Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
Wind up/Solar powered Radio Wind up/Solar powered Radio
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By greenmanalishi

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,324
Wind up/Solar powered Radio
I am thinking of getting a Solar powered and wind up radio to take with me next year on my trip to Mongolia and back to the UK, has anybody used one on trips and are they ok?
I am assuming i will need FM, AM and SW
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Jun 2014
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caps View Post
I am thinking of getting a Solar powered and wind up radio to take with me next year on my trip to Mongolia and back to the UK, has anybody used one on trips and are they ok?
I am assuming i will need FM, AM and SW

We bought a Tesco one back in 2010, it has probably done over 50,000 miles with us now. Just stick to wind up, I don't think solar are worth the hassle.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,324
thanks Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wirral UK
Posts: 226
green credentials
Ever keen to keep my green credentials going I bought one of these a few years ago wind up radios - buy online for a great price


What a ball ache. The solar bit is useless and 20 minutes of serious winding gets you 5 mins of radio play. The torch is good though even if it is a little heavy!
I was initially looking for a long wave wind up radio but could not find one small enough, light enough at a price I thought was worth it.


Hope this helps if, you find a good one post the details and I will take a look at it.


GM
__________________
www.frothandflames.com
2012 Kawasaki W800
1997 NX 650 Dominator
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nottingham UK
Posts: 227
Emergency Dynamo Radio - Charcoal Orange

I've got one of these, $30aus, about 17 quid. Works fine, though prob no more than 30mins of play per wind-up. I haven't put it to use in loads of different places yet, but it seems like you don't have to get too far from a reasonable sized town before you can't really pick up many or any stations. Though that might be less of a problem in Europe where towns are closer together than here in Australia.
__________________
UK to Mongolia 2009, on a DR350
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Posts: 98
I too purchased a wind up radio from Tesco a few years ago to take on my travels. I agree, it takes forever to wind it up to any acceptable level. It might be an OK idea if there is absolutely no alternative but if I were to want a radio again for travelling I'd just buy one that takes batteries. The batteries can be bought very cheap in advance of your trip and they take up no room in your luggage.
Whether the wind up option is suitable I suppose depends where you're going. Are you really likely to be miles from civilisation for an extended period? Or is your interest based on the 'green' credentials of such a device?
__________________


"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,324
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris1200 View Post
I too purchased a wind up radio from Tesco a few years ago to take on my travels. I agree, it takes forever to wind it up to any acceptable level. It might be an OK idea if there is absolutely no alternative but if I were to want a radio again for travelling I'd just buy one that takes batteries. The batteries can be bought very cheap in advance of your trip and they take up no room in your luggage.
Whether the wind up option is suitable I suppose depends where you're going. Are you really likely to be miles from civilisation for an extended period? Or is your interest based on the 'green' credentials of such a device?
No I was not thinking about the green side of things I was thinking more about the not carrying or trying to get more batteries for one
Caps
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wirral UK
Posts: 226
I was also thinking about not having to take batteries and it seemed like a good idea at the time. Take a look at this link and then make your own mind up.
Why are dynamo radios and torches a bad idea?


Also I have found that if you are in any remote areas you will need long wave to pick anything up at all. The BBC world service can be accessed from many of the most far flung places on earth with a long wave radio. Any submariners on here will tell you the British nuclear subs use them, if they cannot access the world service on long wave they are to assume London has been hit!


This may help if you are in Europe or Asia.
European and Asian Longwave Stations


I am sure there must be other lists for the rest of the world.


Hope this helps


GM
__________________
www.frothandflames.com
2012 Kawasaki W800
1997 NX 650 Dominator
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Michael Palin on radio 4 mark manley The HUBB PUB 0 30 Dec 2013 11:37
Spreading the word of overland travel on the radio Lonesome George Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 27 Nov 2013 21:15
New Rider Wind in Midwest Missouri Lamps3 Ride Tales 0 20 Apr 2013 15:39
Vstrom wind (washing) machine Bluebus Suzuki Tech 3 14 Aug 2012 22:53
Ted Simon on Radio 4 Lonesome George The HUBB PUB 3 9 Jul 2012 01:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:23.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top