We would usually write about a product like the Midland ER200 Compact Emergency Crank Weather Alert Radio later in the year, during National Preparedness Month. But with the weather being so unpredictable, we took Midland up on their offer to review one during our peak storm alert season. Over the course of our review period, we have had freezing cold rain, high winds that sent backyard trampolines flying through the air, and temp swings from sunny 70 degree days to sudden snowstorms the day after. Yeah, it was an interesting week in Utah.
As the name implies, the Midland ER200 is a compact radio with many features that make it useful in an emergency, but also great for everyday use. First, it’s an AM/FM radio. Yes, satellite radio is great, and there are a ton of apps for phones too. But AM/FM is still free, and sometimes, the simple option is the best option. Of course, it comes programmed with 7 NOAA channels, to get updates on your local weather. Even better, you can easily set it up to warn you when there is a weather alert. And there’s a genuine Cree LED light built into one end. A 2000mAh battery, which gives it a run time of to 25 hours, can be charged via USB, the solar panel on top, or the hand crank on the back. Best of all, that same battery can also top up your cell phone in an emergency.
Here’s how it all works. Once you connect the battery, hold the Band button down to turn it on. That also cycles through the different bands. You can tune in your favorite AM or FM channel using the up and down Tune buttons. After you have tuned in your local weather channel, press the WX/Menu button once, and the display will flash “WX”. This enables the weather alert, which stays on even if you are listening to the radio, or turn the ER200 off. (We got to hear the high wind and freezing warnings). A button on top turns the LED light on low. Press it again to turn it on high, or a third time to set it to flash an SOS signal. Under a rubber cover on the other end is the headphone jack, USB out, and USB in. Simply plug your phone charger into the USB out, and then into your phone, and it will start charging. No buttons to press. Simple. Smart. It topped my phone up from a little less than 50%, and still ran for hours.
Props to Midland for the design details of the ER200. The antenna slides into the body when not in use, the audio and charging ports are all covered to seal out dust, dirt, and water, the lens for the LED light is recessed a bit, and even the crank fits nearly flush into the back. If you are using the flashlight, the power button for it falls right under your thumb. At 6.5″ x 2.8″ x 1.9″, it’s not going to take up much room in your backpack or emergency kit. At home, charge it via USB. While camping, the solar panel should return more than it can use in a day. And in a worst case scenario, you won’t mind cranking it to recharge your phone.
This is a great little radio for many uses. While the audio quality is nothing to get excited about, I could see this going along on fishing trips, long weekends, or really any time you just want a little background music, with the bonus of a weather radio. And not only does it allow your phone a break from playing music, but that charging option is just a huge thing for anyone worried about their phone battery when away from home. MidlandUSA.com
– Brian