Kaito KA369

Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 Emergency Radio User Manual

Comprehensive instructions for your Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 AM/FM NOAA Weather Alert 5-Way Powered Solar Crank Radio Receiver.

1. Introduction

The Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 is a versatile emergency radio designed to provide essential information and power in various situations. It features AM/FM and NOAA weather band reception, multiple power sources, an LED flashlight, a reading lamp, and a USB port for charging mobile devices. This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use and maintenance of your KA369 radio.

Front view of the Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 emergency radio with antenna extended and solar panel open.

Figure 1: Front view of the Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 emergency radio, showing the main controls, extended antenna, and open solar panel.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Components and Controls

Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your Kaito KA369 radio:

Labeled diagram of the Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 radio's components and controls.

Figure 2: Diagram illustrating the main components and controls of the KA369 radio.

  • Volume Knob: Adjusts audio output level.
  • Tuning Knob: Selects radio frequencies.
  • Band Selector Switch: Switches between OFF, FM, AM, and WB (Weather Band).
  • Light Switch: Controls Flashlight, OFF, and SOS Alert functions.
  • LED Flashlight: Integrated light source.
  • LED Reading Lamp: Fold-out light for illumination.
  • Solar Panel: Charges the internal battery when exposed to sunlight.
  • Telescopic Antenna: Extends for improved radio reception.
  • Hand Crank: Generates power for the internal battery.
  • USB OUT (5V): Output port for charging external devices.
  • DC IN (5V): Input port for charging the radio via USB.
  • Earphone Jack: For private listening.
  • Battery Compartment: Holds 3 AA batteries (not included).
Close-up view of the USB OUT, DC IN, and Earphone Jack ports on the Kaito KA369 radio.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the input/output ports on the side of the radio.

3. Powering the Device

The Kaito KA369 radio offers five methods for power, ensuring operation in various conditions:

Diagram showing the five power sources for the Kaito KA369: solar panel, hand crank, 3 AA batteries, DC IN 5V, and built-in Li-ion battery.

Figure 4: Illustration of the multiple power options for the KA369 radio.

  1. Built-in Rechargeable Li-ion Battery: The radio contains an internal lithium-ion battery pack (2500 mAh). This is the primary rechargeable power source.
  2. Hand Crank Generator:
    • Unfold the hand crank located on the back of the radio.
    • Rotate the crank clockwise or counter-clockwise at a steady pace (approximately 120-150 RPM) for 3-5 minutes to generate power for the internal battery.
    • A red "CHARGE" indicator light will illuminate during cranking.
  3. Solar Panel:
    • Place the radio with the solar panel facing direct sunlight.
    • The solar panel charges the internal battery. This method is most effective for maintaining charge or providing supplemental power, not for rapid charging.
    • A red "CHARGE" indicator light will illuminate when charging via solar.
  4. 3 x AA Batteries (Not Included):
    • Open the battery compartment on the back of the radio.
    • Insert three (3) AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
    • Close the compartment securely. The radio will draw power from these batteries when the internal rechargeable battery is depleted or not selected.
  5. 5V Mini USB Input:
    • Connect the included USB charging cable to the DC IN 5V port on the radio.
    • Connect the other end of the cable to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer USB port.
    • The red "CHARGE" indicator light will illuminate, indicating the internal battery is charging.
    • Charging time varies depending on the power source.

Important Note:

  • It is recommended to fully charge the internal battery via USB or hand crank before first use.
  • When using AA batteries, ensure the internal rechargeable battery is not simultaneously being charged or used, to prevent potential issues.

4. Operation

4.1 Radio Reception (AM/FM/NOAA Weather Band)

  1. Power On: Rotate the Volume knob clockwise to turn on the radio and adjust the desired volume level.
  2. Select Band: Use the Band Selector switch to choose between "FM", "AM", or "WB" (Weather Band).
  3. Extend Antenna: For optimal reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna. For AM reception, rotating the radio may also improve signal quality.
  4. Tune Station: Rotate the Tuning knob to scan for stations. The "TUNING" indicator light will illuminate when a strong signal is received.
  5. NOAA Weather Alert: When set to "WB", the radio will receive 24/7 NOAA weather broadcasts and alerts. In alert mode, the radio will automatically activate when a weather alert is broadcast.
Kaito KA369 radio displaying weather forecast icons, indicating its NOAA weather alert capability.

Figure 5: The radio's weather band function provides critical weather information.

4.2 LED Flashlight

  • Slide the Light Switch to the "LIGHT ON" position to activate the integrated LED flashlight.
  • Slide the switch to "OFF" to turn off the flashlight.
Kaito KA369 radio with its LED flashlight illuminated in a dark environment.

Figure 6: The integrated LED flashlight provides illumination.

4.3 LED Reading Lamp

  • Lift the solar panel cover to reveal the LED reading lamp.
  • The reading lamp will automatically turn on when opened.
  • Close the solar panel cover to turn off the reading lamp.
Kaito KA369 radio with its LED reading lamp open and illuminated, providing light for reading.

Figure 7: The fold-out LED reading lamp for localized illumination.

4.4 SOS Alert Function

  • Slide the Light Switch to the "SOS ALERT" position.
  • The radio will emit a loud siren sound and flash the flashlight in an SOS pattern.
  • Slide the switch to "OFF" to deactivate the SOS alert.
Kaito KA369 radio with its SOS light activated, indicating an emergency signaling function.

Figure 8: The SOS alert function provides audible and visual signaling.

4.5 USB Mobile Phone Charging

The KA369 can act as an emergency power bank to charge compatible mobile devices.

  • Ensure the radio's internal rechargeable battery has sufficient charge.
  • Connect your mobile device's USB charging cable to the "USB OUT 5V" port on the radio.
  • The radio will begin charging your device. Note that the charging speed and capacity are suitable for emergency power, not primary charging.
  • The radio's internal battery capacity is 2500 mAh.
Kaito KA369 radio connected via USB cable to a smartphone, demonstrating its mobile charging capability.

Figure 9: The radio can charge mobile devices via its USB output port.

5. Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Wipe the radio with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
  • Storage: Store the radio in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for extended periods, ensure the internal battery is partially charged (around 50%) and periodically recharge it every 3-6 months to maintain battery health.
  • Battery Care: If using AA batteries, remove them if the radio will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
  • Water Resistance: The radio is not waterproof. Avoid exposure to rain or moisture.

6. Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No power / Radio does not turn on.Internal battery depleted; AA batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted.Charge the internal battery via USB or hand crank. Check and replace AA batteries if used. Ensure AA batteries are inserted with correct polarity.
Poor radio reception.Antenna not extended; weak signal area; interference.Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Try repositioning the radio. For AM, rotate the radio for better signal.
Mobile phone not charging.Radio's internal battery too low; incorrect cable connection; device incompatibility.Ensure the radio's internal battery is sufficiently charged. Verify the USB cable is securely connected to both the radio's USB OUT port and your mobile device. Some devices may require specific charging protocols.
Solar charging is slow or ineffective.Insufficient direct sunlight; solar panel obstructed.Place the radio in direct, strong sunlight. Ensure the solar panel is clean and unobstructed. Solar charging is primarily for maintenance, not rapid charging.

7. Specifications

  • Model: KA369
  • Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 2 inches (15.24 x 8.89 x 5.08 cm)
  • Weight: 12.7 ounces (360 grams)
  • Power Sources:
    • Built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery (2500 mAh)
    • Hand crank generator
    • Solar panel
    • 3 x AA batteries (not included)
    • 5V Mini USB input
  • Radio Bands: AM, FM, NOAA Weather Band (7 channels)
  • Connectivity: USB (5V output for charging, 5V input for charging radio)
  • Special Features: LED Flashlight, LED Reading Lamp, SOS Siren/Light, Lanyard

8. Warranty and Support

The Kaito Voyager ECO KA369 comes with a 1-year USA manufacturer’s warranty. For technical support or warranty services, please contact Kaito customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or included with your product packaging.

Kaito's headquarters are located in the greater Los Angeles area, offering bi-lingual (English/Spanish) technical support via a toll-free hotline.

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