In such a scenario, you may be left without a source of information, which is crucial especially when a weather alarm is underway. Not detached from the world informationally will help an ordinary radio, a gadget that everyone may have forgotten long ago. channel 24 asked where you can buy a regular radio and how much is available right now.

We are used to the fact that the Internet is always accessible – it is enough to take a smartphone and we have almost instant access to any news source. Therefore, it bothers us a lot when there are no usual ways of obtaining information.

In such a case, a portable radio receiver that does not require a lot of energy and is usually powered by either a small battery or ordinary batteries can save us.

How to choose a radio receiver

Buying a radio receiver is not a problem. The market is full of various devices for every taste. However, you should pay attention to a few important points when choosing a radio.

There are two types of radio autonomy:

• stationary – not designed for portability, works from the network, is used at home;
• portable – a mobile receiver with autonomous power and a large antenna that allows you to capture radio broadcasts even far from radio towers.

You can find many radio receivers in stores today. They should be divided into several categories.

• pocket size. Radio with autonomous power supply and headphone jack. It is great for transport, does not take up much space and does not require much energy. And such tools are very inexpensive.
• Clock radio. Desktop electronic clock with tuner and display that requires mains connection. Some devices can be powered by multiple batteries or a battery pack.
• Construction radio. Usually large devices with powerful speakers and solid chassis. Such a radio is designed for use on construction sites, so it often has a number of additional functions. For example, it can have additional sockets and be used as an extension cord. What is really useful is that such receivers are often powered by high-capacity batteries and have a significant operating life, although they are significantly more expensive.
• Internet radio. The device is designed to work from the Internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Such a receiver usually has large dimensions, is equipped with powerful speakers and is used stationary. Some models also receive broadcast broadcasts, but in most cases such models are powered from the mains.

What features should the device have?

The radio receiver requirements in our use case are not so great, we need it so that we can receive a stable and high-quality signal. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the following points:

• Sensitivity. It is worth choosing models in which this parameter is lower. Sensitivity in receivers operating at VHF frequencies varies in the range of 0.1-10 μV. The optimum value is 1-3 μV. Sensitivity can be adjusted on expensive radio receivers.
• Selectivity. It is better for the receiver to separate the signal of one station from another and not overlap. Cheap receivers have poor selectivity: they broadcast several stations simultaneously. More expensive devices can qualitatively separate the signals, even if they are as close as possible.
• dynamic range. It is better to choose a device whose dynamic range reaches at least 70-100 dB.

Very briefly about intervals

analog bands

• VHF-2 (FM) (87.5-108 MHz) – the standard band is better known as FM. It provides stereo sound broadcast over relatively short distances (tens of kilometers). The vast majority of stations operate in this range. Great for the city.
• VHF-1 (64.5-73 MHz) – can transmit a signal at slightly greater distances than FM, providing the same quality.
• KX/SW (2.5-26.1 MHz) – characterized by a high signal transmission range, but average sound quality.
• CX/AM (520-1610 kHz) – transmits a signal for hundreds of kilometers, but at the same time the sound quality deteriorates.
• DX/LW (150-415 kHz) – It has good long range radio reception.

digital ranges

DAB (digital) – differs from analog ranges in sound quality and transmission range. Lets you transfer text and graphic information.
DAB+ – has even higher audio quality at similar bitrates.

Some important tips for choosing a radio receiver

• It is better to immediately check the work of the buyer in the store to make sure that it is working properly.
• Choose an option with replaceable or retractable antennas. As a last resort, with a separate connector for the antenna.
• A universal solution is to choose a receiver that can be connected to the mains and powered by a battery or a battery.

By the way, your smartphone may also have a radio function. Especially if it is a special shockproof device model. You can also buy a regular push-button phone with FM receiver functionality – it uses wired headphones as an antenna.

It’s also worth looking for the attic where your grandfather’s old buyer might be around. Most likely, it still works and can be usefully used even today.