2 big problems with these type radios. Rechargable batteries die, &amp; crank dies. Is the rechargable battery pack replacable &amp; how durable is the crank?
1422483
Yes, the rechargeable battery pack is replaceable and the crank I've found to be surprisingly durable. Obviously you must turn it deliberately but at a sustained rate and not try to torque it. BTW the SW is nothing to write home about but with a long antenna you can pull in mostly religious stations which seem to be all that's left on regular SW; The automatic 5K slewing button is cool especially given the price.
1217843
You can use regular AAA batteries in these radios, but they don't last anywhere near as long as a single charge on the rechargeable pack (and rechargeable AAA batteries die even faster than regular AAAs), and AAA batteries CANNOT be recharged in the radio. If you have rechargeable AAA batteries, you must charge them using their own charger. This charger only works for the dedicated battery packs.
280818
Yes. The radio will work great with regular alkaline AA batteries and has a much longer run time with the alkaline versus the rechargeable. Great radios!!!
2267289
It does not ship with a rechargeable power source. You can use rechargeable "AA" batteries in the radio and they will recharge if given an external charger (not provided) like a USB-based cell phone charger. You will need a standard mini-USB (not micro) cable.
789162
Cmiller is correct, you can use rechargeable batteries. I remembered a warning in the manual regarding rechargeable batteries, so I checked it again-- it warns against trying to use non-rechargeable batteries in a battery recharger, which might seem like a no-brainer but some people might be tempted to try doing that. There is even a function that lets you specify that you're using rechargeable batteries. But it would be much better to just buy the Survival Kit, which has a power adapter, headphones, and extended warranty.
1280177
ChristopherThe nature of my problem was the new batteries that are been manufactured don't fit the radio and it did not recharge either!M. Schwab
1005328
I've used the radio since April and it is still going strong...same batteries. I don't know how long they will last, but I use it every day when I go on my walks..:) Good little radio as far as I am concerned. I would recommend give it a try....
233626
I used alkaline batteries and have not had to replace yet-bought about four months ago. Rechargeable should be fine. No screwdriver needed-easy to replace.
2216373
I haven't had any issues with this radio. There is a little bit of a learning curve with it, but that's true of most radios nowadays. It really is a pretty good radio for the money...
2149433
I have used it twice on a camping trip. I cranked it for 30 seconds. It lasted for a good 30 mins. If u crank it during playing the radio, it will last awhile. Hope this helps
726079
Batteries are not replaceable and, based on my experience and discussions I have read, only last about a year under even light use. They you need to recycle the mp3 player and buy another. Not worth it! Buy a player with a replaceable battery even if it is a little more!
650976
Yes the rechargeable battery pack is replacable. Only used the crank a couple of times. Solar charging works very well.
1766500
The rechargeable batteries in mine last about 8 hours on a full charge with the radio playing. When I use alkaline batteries I get about 20 hours of play time.
263388
I think I may keep it. I want to keep it anyway. I downloaded the newest firmware update which is supposed to deal with some of the issues with alarm presets and lost wifi connections so hopefully this will work. The battery pack finally was just made available on the logitech web site and I really like the idea of being able to use the radio anywhere for up to 6 hours with the rechargeable battery. I just ordered the battery pack so I will just try to wait it out to see if there are any more problems with the radio.
4533
I would estimate the rechargeable battery lasts about 5-10 minutes. With the crank the battery does not last that long. Maybe I got a bad rechargeable battery, which suggests bad quality control. At this point it is useless when the rechargeable batteries are in the unit. Regarding the 3 AAA battery it takes, I just checked the unit and they appear to be drained, but I am unsure of the power they had when I installed them. I believe someone else documented the fact that the battery drains when in alert/standby mode. Also, the unit is quite small. It is slightly bigger (but much deeper) than a smartphone. I hope to try another rechargeable battery before I toss the thing. I would estimate the rechargeable battery lasts about 5-10 minutes. With the crank the battery does not last that long. Maybe I got a bad rechargeable battery, which suggests bad quality control. At this point it is useless when the rechargeable batteries are in the unit. Regarding the 3 AAA battery it takes, I just checked the unit and they appear to be drained, but I am unsure of the power they had when I installed them. I believe someone else documented the fact that the battery drains when in alert/standby mode. Also, the unit is quite small. It is slightly bigger (but much deeper) than... » Read More I would estimate the rechargeable battery lasts about 5-10 minutes. With the crank the battery does not last that long. Maybe I got a bad rechargeable battery, which suggests bad quality control. At this point it is useless when the rechargeable batteries are in the unit. Regarding the 3 AAA battery it takes, I just checked the unit and they appear to be drained, but I am unsure of the power they had when I installed them. I believe someone else documented the fact that the battery drains when in alert/standby mode. Also, the unit is quite small. It is slightly bigger (but much deeper) than a smartphone. I hope to try another rechargeable battery before I toss the thing. « Show Less
380182
Im sure the battery pack is replaceable, if u take it apart. The crank broke on mine the second time i used it.
596153
I've had the radio for 4 years and only replaced them twice. Didn't use rechargeable, just normal alkaline. They last a long time, guess it depends on how loud you have it and how long you shower.