Eton American Red Cross FRX3 Emergency Weather Radio User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Eton American Red Cross FRX3 is a versatile, multi-powered emergency weather radio designed to keep you informed and connected during power outages and emergencies. It features AM/FM and NOAA weather band reception, multiple charging options, and a built-in smartphone charger.

Key Features

• Receives AM/FM & Weather band Alerts
• Charges your smartphone via USB
• Multiple power options: rechargeable batteries, hand crank, solar power, and AAA batteries
• LED flashlight & emergency beacon
• Aux-input

Figure 1: Front view of the Eton American Red Cross FRX3 radio, showcasing its compact design and central hand crank.

2. Setup

Initial Battery Connection

Before first use, ensure the internal Ni-MH battery pack is connected. Open the battery compartment (typically on the back or bottom) and plug the battery connector into its receptacle. The radio will not function without this connection.

Figure 2: Side view of the FRX3 radio, highlighting the integrated LED flashlight for illumination during emergencies.

First Charge

For optimal performance, fully charge the radio before its first use. This can be done via:

• USB Cable: Connect the provided USB cable to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer. Charge for approximately 12 hours.
• Solar Panel: Place the radio with the solar panel facing direct sunlight. Charging time varies based on sunlight intensity.
• Hand Crank: Rotate the hand crank at a steady pace (approximately 2 revolutions per second) to generate power.

3. Operating Instructions

Radio Functions (AM/FM/Weather Band)

1. Power On/Off: Press the Power button to turn the radio on or off.
2. Select Band: Use the Band Selector switch (AM, FM, WB) to choose your desired radio band.
3. Tune Stations: Rotate the Tuning Knob to find radio stations. Extend the telescopic antenna for better reception.
4. Adjust Volume: Use the Volume Knob to control the audio level.

Figure 3: Front view of the FRX3 radio with its telescopic antenna extended, ready for optimal radio reception.

NOAA Weather Alert

The FRX3 can receive NOAA weather alerts. To activate the alert function, press the ALERT button. The radio will automatically switch to the weather band and sound an alarm when an alert is broadcast. Note that the alert function consumes battery power, so regular charging is recommended if left on.

Flashlight and Emergency Beacon

• Flashlight: Press the Light button once to turn on the LED flashlight.
• Emergency Beacon: Press the Light button a second time to activate the flashing red emergency beacon.
• Press the Light button a third time to turn off the light.

Charging External Devices (Smartphone Charger)

Connect your smartphone or other USB-powered device to the USB output port on the radio. The radio's internal battery will provide power to charge your device. For best results, ensure the radio has a sufficient charge or crank the handle while charging.

Figure 4: Side view of the FRX3 radio, illustrating the foldable hand crank used for manual power generation.

Powering the Radio

The FRX3 offers multiple ways to stay powered:

• Hand Crank: Rotate the hand crank to generate power for immediate use or to recharge the internal battery.
• Solar Panel: The integrated solar panel on top charges the internal battery when exposed to sunlight.
• USB Input: Use a standard USB cable and power adapter to charge the internal battery from a wall outlet or computer.
• AAA Batteries: The radio can also operate on 3 AAA batteries (not included). Ensure the battery switch is set to the correct type if using alkaline AAA batteries.

Figure 5: Top view of the FRX3 radio, featuring the solar panel for eco-friendly charging under direct sunlight.

4. Maintenance

Battery Care

• To maintain the internal Ni-MH battery's charging and storage capacity, charge it every 3 months using the USB cable, even if not in use.
• If storing for long periods, consider unplugging the internal battery to prevent slow discharge from the clock function.

General Care

• Clean the radio with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Avoid exposing the radio to extreme temperatures, direct moisture, or submersion in water. It is not water-resistant.
• Handle the telescopic antenna with care to prevent damage.

5. Troubleshooting

• No Power: Ensure the internal battery is connected. If using AAA batteries, check their orientation and charge level.
• Poor Radio Reception: Extend the telescopic antenna fully. Try repositioning the radio. In some areas, reception may be better when connected to a wall charger.
• Device Not Charging: Ensure the radio's internal battery has sufficient charge. Some smartphones with larger batteries may require extended cranking or a higher charge level from the radio.
• Alert Function Drains Battery: The NOAA alert function continuously monitors for signals, which consumes battery power. Charge regularly if this feature is enabled.
• Buttons Unresponsive: If the radio seems unresponsive, check if the Alert function is active, as it can sometimes override other radio functions.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your product packaging or visit the official Eton website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.