Saw see-through Baygen radio at Radio Shack two days ago; didn't have time to see if they had other models (like SW). Price was okay ($79.99.) May be sold under RS brand so ask about crank radios. For newbies, Baygen radio is a crank-operated radio, can get SW too, 60 cranks = half an hour or so of listening. Solar panels available also. Very sturdily built, good reception. Originally meant for use in remote African bush so had to be well built, no delicate components.

-- Aitch (jimp7@mindspring.com), August 27, 1998

Answers

Last week I visited a huge merchandise and surplus show in Vegas. Out of 5000 booths a few had some "pure" y2k products. I have a small wholesale business (paper & plastic disposables) and also do swap meets (everything). I bought a lot of survival items in Vegas including a neat radio that has the following features: 4 way power system--by solar, by hand crank, by ac/dc charging and AA batteries (could be nicad). It is am & fm and the main power source is solar. Name of company is SunQuest. I bought a sample and their catalog is being mailed. I will distribute and sell them here in Phoenix. Looks like a selling price of about $29. plus $3. S&H. Larger unit with flashlight for $10. more. I have bought off the net but never sold over the net but if this sounds good you can e-mail me at phxbanks@webtv.net and I could ship when my shipment arrives. If anyone knows of better deals then please let me know. I have bought some things for y2k and later found lower prices--big time!

-- Ron Banks (phxbanks@webtv.net), August 28, 1998.

Hi Ron,

Might be interested in a Sunquest radio as a back-up for my Baygen. How long does it play on one minute of cranking, how long is the warranty, and where is it made? A Web search on "solar AND radio" brought forth several solar models in the $20-35 range (some with flashlights), but all were 10 min crank play time and very little, if any, warranty.

Aitch

-- Aitch (jimp7@mindspring.com), August 28, 1998.

Just called the company and asked questions and placed an order. The are in Oregon and the units are made in the US--company is 21 years old. The unit after 6 hours exposure to sun will give hours of play. The crank will equal Bay Gen play time. It comes with a warranty. Please understand this is a new item to me and I am not an expert. I will learn fast but I am not putting the hard sell on anyone. If these items are as good as I hope they will be then I will be glad to supply detailed info. I appreciate your interest. I have a profit motive but I also have an altruistic motive.

-- Ron Banks (phxbanks@webtv.net), August 28, 1998.

Went into the local Radio Shack in my S. California neighborhood yesterday, and no Baygen. Quizzed the very nice salesman about it...he looked up and didn't find but said...he thought he could, or the manager could. Interesting thing is, our conversation eased on into Y2K, and the need to have a way to get info/news in the event of system-wide power outtages...The salesman took my name and number and said he'd call me when he found out about their Baygen access....

We shall see.

-- Donna Barthuley (moment@pacbell.net), August 30, 1998.

Hi Donna,

Went to Radio Shack on Saturday, very busy, but got harried manager to show me the "Baygen." It's a Radio Shack knock-off, looks just as sturdy, though, and has solar panel, AC/DC, etc. Asked manager what people should ask for since it's not a Baygen, and he replied, "We just call it the crank radio." Could be ours was one of first deliveries because this area is very high-tech.

-- Aitch (jimp7@mindspring.com), August 30, 1998.

Baygen radio with light C Craneco@northcoast.com BAW $l49.95

-- Christine Griffin (Griffsenior@webtv.net), September 02, 1998.

I would like to add more information to the Baygen radio and light. C CRANE CO. 558-10 th St. Fortuna, Ca. 95540 phone 707-725-9000 Fax 707-725-9060 1-800-522-8863

-- Christine Griffin (Griffsenior@webtv.net), September 02, 1998.

I just saw an ad in some mail order catalog for a wind-up radio made by Aiwa. That's all I know about it. I'm sure that you can find out more by searching on the web

-- Joe O (jowczar@comp.uark.edu), September 02, 1998.

Does the $80. Bay Gen come with solar as well as crank? How much more is the shortwave? Do I need shortwave (I only speak and understand english) Would a ham radio be better? How much total playing time can the crank provide? What are the advantages of the $150. Bay Gen. What other brands are available? Are there any good solar with crank that are in a more affordable price range. I'm sorry to ask so many questions but I want to get a good emergency am and fm radio at a reasonable price. BTW what do the companies charge for shipping? Any answers appreciated. paula jane

-- paulajane (pjsnoop@webtv.net), September 03, 1998.

To Paula Jane:

Here's a source for the Baygen radio, both models (AM/FM/SW and AM/FM) .

B & A Products: The Leader in Earth Changes and y2k Preparedness

The AM/FM model is called the BayGen Jr Freeplay Radio

I ordered the model with shortwave for US$108, and also the portable shortwave antenna (US$20.99).

-- Max Dixon (Max.Dixon@gte.net), September 03, 1998.

Oops! Messed up again..

I wanted to add: the BayGen Jr is US$77.00.

I ordered my radio in July and received it in August (they were out of stock at the time). I chose the one with shortwave band, thinking that with the extended antenna and good weather conditions I should be able to receive broadcasts from Canada (BBC rebroadcasts, maybe?).

Hope this helps.

Max

-- Max Dixon (Max.Dixon@gte.net), September 03, 1998.

I may be missing something, but... Couldn't we just use a regular battery powered radio to listen to AM or FM broadcasts? Even CBs or SW units are battery powered. So what's the reason to buy BayGen?

-- Sandy (prep4y2k@aol.com), September 04, 1998.

If the Am/FM stations are broadcasting (and if they have received news from ???) I'd rather get the kids to regularly crank the radio for a few minutes to listen, rather than waste batteries (or use gas to run the generator to recharge the batteries).

Think about resources: which are reuseable/renewable (kid power, my power) and which are irreplaceable (gas, batteries, tools, water, food?

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (cook.r@csaatl.com), September 04, 1998.

Shipment arrived. Units test good. No s&h charge. For more info and/or to order please e-mail. ron

-- ron banks (phxbanks@webtv.net), September 06, 1998.

Was there a Bay Gen near the oval office and who was cranking it? Call Ken

-- gdog (phxross@webtv.net), September 10, 1998.

Was there a Bay Gen near the oval office and who was cranking it? Please call Ken!

-- gdog (phxross@webtv.net), September 10, 1998.