Severe weather can strike at any time, and it can have severe consequences — even a mild storm can result in power outages. The Midland ER310 is an emergency radio that helps in two ways. First, it has not just AM and FM radio, but it also picks up NOAA weather alerts from the National Weather Service. You have a warning if severe weather is threatening, giving you time to seek shelter. And if the power goes out, it provides radio, light, and the ability to charge your smartphone.
This is actually a simplification of what this versatile emergency radio is capable of. It’s built to be rugged — at least it looks as though it can take a drop — and buttons are covered with a rubberized membrane. The radio is quite compact (just under 8-inches long and weighing just over one pound), and the integrated handle makes it easy to carry.
NOAA Weather Alerts + AM/FM Radio + Clock
The ER310 is equipped with a telescoping antenna and a radio that receives AM, FM and seven NOAA/NWS weather channels. Reception is rated at up to 50 miles with the antenna fully extended. This isn’t intended to be a replacement for your Bluetooth speaker, but audio is clear.
There’s a button for WX Alert that when activated (a WX icon on the display shows it has been engaged) will produce visible and audible alerts if a weather alert is received. The flashlight and LED display backlight will flash on and off for one minute, while the radio will produce a siren sound.
There is also a clock function so you don’t lose track of time.
Charge Your Mobile Devices
Pull back the rubberized flap that covers the ports and you’ll find a headphone jack, and a Micro USB port used for charging the radio (Midland supplies the cable, but you’ll need to use your own charger). There is also a USB Type-A port, so the radio’s 2600 mAh battery can be used to top up the charge on your mobile device.
Built-in Flashlight With Strobe Function + Rescue Dog Whistle
One end of the ER310 is a flashlight, equipped with a CREE LED. It has a dim or bright setting (maximum brightness is 1400 Lux). There is also an SOS mode that flashes the Morse code for “SOS” in light. In addition, holding the flashlight button for two seconds activates an ultrasonic dog whistle — you see a dog head icon on the display. Does it work? When I pushed the button, both of my dogs came running.
Dual Battery Power Source
Crack open the back of the ER310 and you’ll discover it has dual battery sources. It comes equipped with a single, 2600 mAh lithium ion rechargeable battery which is rated for up to 32 hours of normal radio use. However, you can also install six AA batteries. If you are switching between power sources, you’ll need to flip the power source switch.
Charges by USB, Solar, or Hand Crank
One of the big advantages of an emergency radio like the Midland ER310 is that you will likely never run out of power. The primary method for charging its battery is via USB. Depending on your charger, that will likely take about five hours. However, during an extended power outage, you don’t need to rely on an electrical outlet.
A hand crank folds neatly into the body of the radio. It can be used to recharge the battery by hand. Effectiveness will depend on how fast you turn the crank, but one minute of it equates to roughly nine minutes of radio use.
In addition, the top surface of the radio is a solar panel. One hour in full sun should charge the battery enough for 45 minutes of radio operation.
The effectiveness of these methods will vary, and even with a lot of cranking (or sun), it’s going to take some time to fully recharge the battery. But the point is when your battery runs out and the power is still out, you have options.
Midland ER310 Recommendation
It doesn’t matter where you live, your home really should have an emergency kit. Between hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and winter storms, there is nowhere you can go that is guaranteed to be free of the risk of severe weather events or natural disasters.
Adding the Midland ER310 emergency radio to your home emergency kit ensures you are able to pick up any NOAA warnings to maximize your preparation time. And in a power outage, this little device is an invaluable source of power, light, and information. For $69.99 it’s a no-brainer.
Disclosure: Midland provided a a radio for evaluation but had no input into this review.
