During the recent ice storm in the midwest, with millions out of power for up to two weeks, my new FR-300 emergency radio (with the American Red Cross logo on it) failed to work after one day. I purchased it through Radio Shack about a year ago and had not needed to used it until now, so it is out of warranty. The problems began when I could not charge my cell phone due to the case opening and pin not being aligned for the plug to fit. The crank to charge the unit worked fine but then the LED light/flash/alert/siren would not operate. Shortly after that the radio, with its important local TV stations reception, no longer worked. It is "dead in the water" so to speak.
The cost of repair is obviously more than it is worth.

I would suggest: Don't spend fifty bucks on an emergency radio such as this one, thinking it will work when you need it. It would be better not to put "all your eggs in one basket" and purchase the most inexpensive items such as flashlights, candles and lanterns (which we had as backup) and a less expensive radio that receives local TV stations and just charge the cell phone with the car charger.

Sincerely,
Regrett'n I bought eton.