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(More customer reviews)Alas, the problem is that none of the handheld S.A.M.E. radios are very good. The main problem is short battery life -- the best units run perhaps a few days in monitoring mode, the worst a few hours. This one runs for about a week if you don't touch it, but manipulating the controls consumes the batteries in less than a day.
The other problem is the user interface. Why do manufacturers insist on overloading controls to the point of idiocy? I have to read the manual every time I want to change a setting on any of these radios -- the interaces are completing nonintuitive.
Despite these caveats, the Midland 74-250C does its job -- a reasonably sensetive receiver and clear alph-numeric LCD display. I had to buy one of every handheld S.A.M.E radio available for a product review, and this one is the winner.
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Midland 74-250C SAME Handheld Weather Alert RadioStay informed of current local weather and hazard conditions whether you're camping, hiking, hunting, or just hanging around the house with this handheld Midland weather alert radio. Capable of receiving seven National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) channels--each of which receives emergency advisories on tornadoes, floods, severe thunderstorms, civil danger warnings, and more--the 74-250C is a must for people who live in high-risk weather areas, or for people who just want a little extra protection when hitting the outdoors. Plus, the seven NOAA channels offer coverage for roughly 93 percent of the U.S., so most residents are well covered regardless of where they live.
Another valuable function is the radio's Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) reception. SAME allows users to program the radio to sound an alert only when weather and other emergencies threaten a specific county or counties. The technology eliminates all alerts from other areas, so users won't perk up their ears each time the alert sounds only to learn that the emergency is actually 100 miles up the highway. The 74-250C's memory system accepts up to nine counties, so you can monitor a broad swatch of counties at once or restrict it to one.
Should an alert occur, users have a choice of three warning systems: a 90 dB siren, a voice alert, or a flashing red LED light. The siren is the best option for people who might not have their radios nearby at all times, while the latter two alerts are a bit less extreme on the ears. The digital panel, meanwhile, displays up to 56 messages, so you'll instantly know what's coming your way. Additional features include a built-in thermometer with a freeze alert that notifies you when the temperature drops below freezing, a full-function clock with an alarm and snooze button, an external earphone jack, and a water-resistant housing.
The radio, which works with two AA batteries (not included), measures 2.38 by 4 by 1.25 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box74-250C radio, user's manual.
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