C. Crane CC Pocket AM FM and NOAA Weather Radio with Clock and Sleep Time
REGULAR PRICE: £74.99
About this item
- AM/FM and NOAA Weather Band Pocket Sized Radio
- Excellent selectivity and sensitivity for its size, 5 one touch memory presets
- Built in speaker or can be used with included earbuds
- Backlight, Sleep timer, Clock and Alarm, Removable belt clip
- Runs on (2) AA Batteries
Product description
| SKU: | B00BSYCZZ0 |
| Weight: | 4 Ounces |
| Dimensions: | 2.5"L x 1"W x 4.25"H |
| Brand: | C.Crane |
| Model: | CC PKT |
| Colour: | Black |
| Manufacture: | C.Crane |
| Colour: | Black |
Product description
Just received this and overall I love it. However, if you look directly at the LCD display, it is slightly fuzzy, an effect that is more obvious in the dark when you are relying on the temporary backlit effect. You don’t see a nice sharp display unless you turn the radio slightly away from you, with the left hand side away and the right hand side closer. (In bright or normal daylight, where the backlight doesn’t come into play, when looking head-on you may only think the LCD display is simply a little dim).
I wrote to CCrane and received a prompt, courteous reply. I thought it was a manufacturing defect, but this is by design. The person who wrote me said CCrane noticed that a lot of people hold pocket radios at a slight angle facing away as described above, so they designed the LCD to display sharpest at that angle. This is a novel design to say the least, and I don’t see it mentioned in any of the product descriptions either here at Amazon or on the CCrane site. It also occurs to me that left-handed people would likely hold the radio in their left hand with the angle going the wrong way for the sharpest display–I just tested it, and it is so. The company guy who wrote me said it’s not clear yet whether they will change this… feature… in the future.
So I think that’s a stupid idea and it really should be advertised. I use this radio sometimes on my bedstand, and I hate angling it away like that–it’s like talking to someone who won’t look at you. However, I am sort of extra-sensitive to my physical surroundings and I don’t see anyone else complaining about it, so perhaps only a small percentage of customers will care. Still, it’s a shame and for how I want to use this it’s disappointing.
Apart from that I love it. This replaced a Radio Shack pocket radio of almost the exact same proportions (a Sangean?) that soldiered on beautifully for 20 years or so, the kind with VHF TV stations before the digital changeover. I love the weather bands that have replaced that option (interesting that in the mere 28 miles or so between my home in Manassas, Va., and my office in downtown DC, I have to switch between Ch 7 and Ch 3 to get the report. Not a complaint, makes me curious about the broadcast technology). I find the AM reception decent–nothing that blows me away, but within the normal capabilities of a good pocket radio. There is a feature I haven’t tried that may improve reception in challenging environments–you can alter the tuning steps in a way that improves the radio’s ability to lock in on the station signals. FM stereo reception (via earbuds of course) is outstanding when within range. Nice earbuds by the way. I agree with another poster that the fixed tone of the mono speaker is on the treble side, but lucky for me I prefer that. I also agree that it’s odd but not an issue that you have to turn the volume a fair way up when switching from speaker to earbuds. The five-button presets have a satisfying click when you activate them. The “pages” function requires a little thought and attention (to access all presets) but it’s there if you want them. Very clever and helpful to include some tips on button functions inside the battery door, since some involve dual action (hit 1 and 3 simultaneously to do something e.g.). Overall I’m satisfied with the purchase but will be keeping an eye on the CCrane site to see if they mend their ways on the odd display. Props for rapid, courteous response from CCrane customer service.
Reliable, fine pocket radio
Obviously pricey, but a fine radio. If you really want a reliable, well-built radio, consider this item. Impressive right out of the box. Tuning is precise, range of volume is wide with no loud bursts, settings and pre-sets are easy to use. No crackling or static when tuned. Pocket size is excellent. Comes with lighted display when touched, and antenna and earphones. Battery consumption (2 x AA) may be slightly higher than with cheaper radios.
Products can fail—that’s just reality. But I’m often struck by how many Amazon reviews end not with criticism of the product itself, but of the manufacturer or shipper: no response, no service, no concern.
Not so with C. Crane.
I bought their CC Pocket radio for working around the yard. Less expensive pocket radios I’ve tried had disappointing FM reception, so I spent a little more for this one based on the reviews. The FM reception turned out to be excellent, and the sound quality was great day after day.
Then the earphone jack went bad.
I contacted C. Crane and heard back within a day. I returned the radio under warranty, and they shipped me a replacement within a week—quick, easy, and hassle-free.
If you’re shopping for a pocket radio, you’ll find plenty of options. But for me, there’s only one manufacturer I trust: C. Crane, based in Northern California.
Have lots of different radios and transceivers and this is the best small pocket receiver I have yet to own right out of the box. Very intuitive controls and display.
25 memories for AM and 25 for FM. AM tuning by either 10 or 1khz, narrow filter to take the harshness out of weak/ static stations to name a few features.
Compared this radio against other portable radios including the PL-660 and a couple weather radios.
Indoor: FM stations came in same as the PL660 ( obviously sound thru Crane is best for voice)
Indoor: AM stations, almost the same as PL660. The signal strength was less on Crane so not as good S/N ratio. Use of the selectable narrow AM filter (2.5khz) helps with the thin sound on weak stations.
Indoor: Weather radio picked up same and did slightly better on stations than the mediocre Midland Weather Radio WR120b using the 32″ ish included earphone jack antenna (see pic)
Can also attach the included earphones to use as antenna for WB and FM.
Outdoors: Am & FM perform quite well if away from power lines/ distribution.
Outdoors: The real surprise was how well the Weather Band portion performed outside. Picked up 5 of the 7 NOAA stations in my “Area” using the included antenna.
Farthest station was 78 miles away ( weak but very intelligible) Use will be for remote camping that the ollllddd Radio Shacks and the Mickey Mouse Midland that never worked in remote areas.
This Crane Pocket Radio is for very specific uses so don’t expect this to be the same as a larger radio with better specs but for taking up very little space, it is great!
The best little portable sleep radio ever.
I have had countless sleep radios for over 30 years, and I can honestly say that this one is far and away the best I have ever had.
Once the favourite stations are stored in the memory it is a breeze to turn it on and off, switch between stations, and set the play duration of the chosen channel, all by easy and intuitive feel of the buttons. The other fabulous bonus is that the earpieces on the earphones fit comfortably in my small ear, and give great sound even with just one earpiece in use, which is a bonus if the other ear is buried deep in a pillow. The earphone wires do not get tangled up or become kinked with use, which has always been a major hassle with other makes. The actual radio is so small that I just tuck it under my pillow at night. If I awaken again after the playing time has expired, just one touch of a button will connect to the previous setting of station and duration. And if you have good eyesight the screen is backlit for clarity in the dark. My husband is happy that I am no longer fidgeting with my radio in the middle of the night, and I am happy that the sound quality of speech is so clear that I can have it set to a very low volume and still hear the programme. I give it a 10 out of 10.The battery life is also much longer than with other radios I have had, including expensive Sony ones, when they were made, which they are not any more. I think I shall buy another of these Crane radios to keep in reserve, and today a friend of mine, also an insomniac, is ordering one too, on my recommendation.
Has quality build. Functional design and feels good in your hand. The shape and thin silicone sides make it easy to hold, unlike cheaper radios that feel like a bar of slippery soap. There are plenty of possible presets, to save your favorite stations. In my location rural Northern Calif, the AM choices come in great and all the FM’s are there but benefit greatly by plugging in the supplied soft small antenna. The earbuds also function as an FM antenna whether you wear them or not. Great sound from the earbuds… I’m a musician and these earbuds are better than the pricey name brand one’s in the market in my opinion. Ten pairs of earbud tips are supplied so you can attach the exact fit for your ears. The headphone jack, volume, on/off are conveniently on the top of the radio. Amazing someone thought of that!! So you can have in your shirt/jacket pocket or clipped to your belt with provided clip, AND access those three things without removing/handling the radio! Great! Clock, alarm, weather band are easy to use. There’s even a very handy lock feature to assure bumping any buttons will not change your selected settings.
So here’s my reason for buying a simple handheld radio, like my Dad always had on hand: I live in Mendocino County fire country. We have had deliberate week long power outages due to last week’s huge uncontained fires in the entire north bay. Internet down. Cell towers overloaded and not working. The ONLY source of local fire and community information was from good old fashioned AM/FM radios. The corporate utility company promises there will be more power outages soon as they trot through Calif testing/replacing their ancient poles and wires that spark these horrendous fires. SO, radios, generators, battery powered lanterns, flashlights, batteries, and propane bbq grills have been flying off the shelves. This C Crane radio will be my connection for info on any emergency communications (evacuation orders, gas availability, open grocery stores, etc) in real time right here where it’s all happening. I first bought a $20 radio and immediately saw it was a piece of ****. I returned it the next day and researched more and decided on this C Crane. Perfect. Everything I want and more. (And I love the fact that the company is located in our sister Humboldt County to the north)
Thanks for listening to my entire story. My reason for buying is clearly for use during a local emergency. If you’re reading this, you’re researching. I highly recommend this humble little C Crane handheld for a modest price, over the other brands/models that are less expensive.
An excellent portable radio.
I needed a radio to replace my ancient Walkman, and it needed to work very well on weak stations. This radio is perfect in every respect. Weak stations are very good, it sounds good, battery life is exceptional, and it weighs about as much as candy bar. I like it. +
I listen to the radio a lot. I have table radios and a few larger portables I use during the day, but I listen in bed before falling asleep at night, and that is where a pocket radio comes in handy. I have two Sony SRF-39s that have been trusty nighttime companions: super lightweight, stunningly long battery life, great sound, excellent sensitivity, analog tuning that encourages me to wander aimlessly around the airwaves, and minimal dials and buttons, so I can access all the functions in the dark.
It took me a while to decide to splurge on the C. Crane, but last month I finally took the plunge. I’m glad I did. The Crane is just as sensitive as my Sony, but because it’s digital, it’s easier to tune and hold onto a signal. I like having the memory buttons, and I’m thankful it doesn’t have any additional buttons that would allow me to directly punch in a frequency – I still have to step or scan if I want to channel surf. That element of serendipity is part of the joy of radio listening for me.
The Crane is nicely compact and feels sturdy. It’s quite a bit heavier than the Sony (and uses two AA batteries rather than Sony’s one), but the rubberized sides are a nice touch; I can get a good grip on it. The controls are really well thought out, so I can also use all the functions without any light beyond the digital display.
Best of all, when listening through headphones, the Crane sounds the best of any pocket radio I’ve ever had – and I’ve had quite a few. The audio has exceptional clarity and presence, whether listening in stereo or mono, and the noise floor is lower than on the Sony. If I had to have just one pocket radio, this would be it. Do note, however, that the sound from the speaker is tinny. If you want a smal radio to listen to without headphones, go for the Sangean SR-35 – it’s not quite pocket sized but only $20 and worth every penny.
This is an older, but excellent design. The king of pocket radios. AM / FM Stereo / NOAA weather reception are excellent. Runs on AA batteries and has a great battery life. I keep one in my go bag in case of emergencies, bad weather, power outages … being battery operated I can hear news, weather, and other key information. The user interface is excellent, so easy you can completely figure this out without a manual. You can read the manual online to get a better understanding. I do not care about Shortwave, the number of broadcasters has dropped over the decades and the BBC and a few others seem more like propaganda anyhow. Listening to HAMS, not that interesting, as a HAM operator that put my gear away years ago, I realized that listening to other HAMS was rarely anything that interesting. Maybe during an emergency I would feel a little different, but unlikely. I use mine daily for weather when I get up each morning and for local radio to get local news that I do not see much of on the internet. It is a great radio and well work the money as it is a premium product in feel, durability (I have two) and design. You can get these functions in a radio for far less money, but it will be far less in quality. I can say this as I have a Tecsun, Sangean, Radio Shack, and several other receiver only radios. What I would add if I was C Crane would be an SD slot so it could play MP3 files. Great radio, you cannot go wrong with this gem.
Perfect tonality, easy to use.
Yes, it’s a costly product for a pocket radio. But then C Crane is one of the best radio brands in the world. You’d buy it only if you value the quality.
I find the usability (features) very handy. You can easily set presets and access them. The display is very useful too. FM and AM signal is good and sound quality excellent even through the small speaker. But if you attach earphones while taking walk etc, it only gets better. The attached earphones are good quality unlike many other brands.
The radio is very easy to hold in hand or keep in pocket. The belt clip is not much useful and can be easily removed. You feel the quality when you hold it in your hand.
Some Sangean pocket radios are comparable in quality and price. You can choose depending on which design and sound you like. I find the C Crane has more balanced sound and true to life tonality.
I use rechargeable external battery which one gets easily. They last me for more than a fortnight with an hour or two usage every day