The CC Solar Observer is a simple, affordable and compact radio with enhanced reception and audio performance. For emergency use it can be powered in four different ways and can charge many different USB type devices including cell phones in a pinch. Many of our customers use it as their main radio.
"Our emergency radio was born in 1992 when we experienced three large earthquakes in Northern California in 17 hours. Communication and services, including electricity, were hopelessly overloaded. In the Crane home shards of broken glass were everywhere and so were bare feet. All of our flashlights had been over used by our blessed children. We vowed to make a good emergency radio so we would never be in this situation again."
This customer could not have said it better:
I have had only one, thank you Lord, occasion to use this in an emergency situation and it worked flawlessly. (I was the) Only one in the area with radio for two days of power loss... Thank you CCrane!! vpipes - Dufur, OR
| General Features: | |
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| Weight: 1.5 lb. Size: 7.25" W x 5.5" H x 2" D | |
With the power switch set to off, a full charge can be achieved in about 3-4 hours.
No.
On a full charge, the CC Solar Observer should play for about 15-20 hours depending on your volume level.
The CC Solar Observer should play for approximately 60 hours at normal volume.
To achieve a full charge, the CC Solar Observer must be cranked at a moderate speed (about two revolutions per second) for about 120 minutes.
Two revolutions per second will produce good results.
Yes, but you if you plan on using the optional charging adapter for days to power the radio, we recommend unplugging the battery pack. Constantly charging the battery pack for more then 12 hours at a time will shorten its life.
The rechargeable battery pack may not be plugged in completely. To check this, make sure the battery pack's white connector is completely secured.
The rechargeable battery pack may be depleted. Charging the unit for a few minutes should clear up the sound.
The CC Solar Observer can charge an iPhone but the iPhone takes much more energy to run than older cell phones. After the iPhone battery is depleted, it requires a 5% charge before the phone is usable again. Using the CC Solar Observer, it takes about 35 minutes of crank time to charge up the iPhone to 5%. This gives you about 15 minutes if talk time before the battery is depleted again.
In some cases, if your radio was left on for an extended amount of time after the battery pack is fully depleted, the microprocessor inside the radio may have locked up and disabled the radio functions. It will be necessary to unplug the battery pack, remove any AA batteries and cover the solar panel for 15 minutes (or place radio in a dark area). This will allow a reset of the microprocessor. Re-insert the battery pack and AA batteries (if desired), then using the hand crank, crank the radio at a good pace for 90 seconds and try the radio function.
The simple answer is exercising the batteries to condition for an optimal charge. To do this, charge the batteries to full and discharge them completely. Doing this procedure about three times or so will bring your batteries to optimal efficiency.
No.
No.
No. Lithium batteries can damage the radio.
No, we do not recommend having the AC Adapter connected to the radio while charging your cell phone or other devices.
It will take approximately 20 hours of full sun (outside) with the solar panel angled towards the sun (60 degree angle). It is not recommended to charge indoors at a window as many windows these days have UV coatings that will reduce solar charging effectiveness.
| What's in the Box | |
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| General Specifications | |
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POWER SOURCE | |
| Batteries (optional): | 3 AA size |
| Internal Battery Pack: | NiMH 2/3 AA 800 mAh |
| Battery Pack Charging Jack: | Internal Battery Pack can be charged with optional AC Adapter 5V 300mA DC - Center tip (-) |
| Winding Generator: | 250-500 mA DC |
| Solar Panel: | 20-40 mA DC (Depending on sunlight intensity) |
POWER CONSUMPTION AT MODERATE VOLUME | |
| AM: | 38mA |
| FM: | 45mA |
| Weather: | 45mA |
| Flashlight: | 15mA |
| Display light: | 4mA |
FREQUENCY COVERAGE | |
| AM Band: | 520 - 1710 kHz |
| FM Band: | 87.5 - 108 MHz |
| Weather Band: | Ch. 1: 162.400 MHz Ch. 2: 162.425 MHz Ch. 3: 162.450 MHz Ch. 4: 162.475 MHz Ch. 5: 162.500 MHz Ch. 6: 162.525 MHz Ch. 7: 162.550 MHz |
AUDIO | |
| Speaker: | 2.5" |
| Headphone Jack: | 1/8" (3.5mm) - Will accept stereo or mono jacks |
ANTENNA | |
| AM Band: | Built-in Ferrite Bar |
| FM and Weather Band: | Telescopic whip antenna |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT | |
| Dimensions: | 7.25" W x 5.5" H x 2" D |
| Weight: | 1.5 lb. |
| Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. | |
