Editorial Review

Protect your hearing and listen to music at the same time. Whether you are at the job site, in the workshop, or mowing the lawn, you may be putting your hearing at risk, or at the very least putting up with irritating noise. Regular earplugs are uncomfortable and prevent you from listening to music while you work. WorkTunes' hearing protectors offer a high level of hearing defense as well as let you replace the irritating noise with your favorite AM or FM radio station. And while many stereo headsets have volume levels that can damage hearing, this set has a maximum volume level of 85 decibels, lower than the threshold of danger. ... Read more

Features

• Protective sound limiter
• AM/FM stereo
• 22dB earmuff
• Lightweight
• Comfortable

Reviews (36)

I use these day in and day out and could not do without!
I have two pairs - both the older original style and the current (July2004) style.The new style is easier to use but the old style was acceptable just the same.These are very comfortable with excellent reception, as good as any "plug in the wall" stationary radio I own.The hearing protection is better than my old style earmuffs.These are designed as hearing protection with a radio not as an audiophile item.

I have very few complaints about this product
I have owned this Pelto AM/FM WorkTunes for about two years now.Here's my experiences.

PROS:
The batteries last a looooong time, and I find the headset very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.And it does a good job of reducing noise levels.I still grab them whenever I need to do any job that's noisy (lawn mower, circular saw, leaf blower, etc.).

CONS:
These cons are more like minor complaints.

The volume and tuning knobs are too similar in size, shape and location - both on the left ear muff - for new owners not to get them mixed up.It takes lots of trial-and-error before you learn which is which.The volume knob is slightly smaller and located below the tuning knob.And they stick straight out from the earmuffs to the sides, so if I happen to turn my head and bang them against something I find that I have suddenly changed the volume or frequency.

I do agree with other posters that the reception could be better - I sometimes lose reception simply by bending over or tilting my head, although I find that poor reception often is caused by weak batteries.I had a problem with the power switch not working, and I took it apart to find that a small piece of metal in the power button had worked loose - maybe from the last time I dropped the unit.I was able to repair it with a dab of silicone rubber and haven't had any problems since.

Product failed after 9 months
I received my Peltor WorkTunes for Christmas 2003.I used it a couple times a month.

Last time I tried to use it the on/off/volume switch had failed.The warranty is 90 days so if I send it back to the company it will be a non-warranty repair.

Cheap junk.I wish I would have gotten a higher-quality item.And digital is not too much to ask in the 21st century. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Radios    2. Portable Radios    3. (Jobsite Radios)    4. Safety Equipment    5. Ear Protection   

Editorial Review

Sure, we know the sound of tools is music to your ears. But youhaven't heard anything half as sweet as Milwaukee's Job Site Radio.This tough little tank packs a Rockford Fosgate sound system with PunchEQ, features digital tuning with 20 presets, and wears 5-1/4-inchweather-resistant speakers with separate tweeters. We cranked it up inour warehouse amid machinery, swarming forklifts, and beehive-likeactivity and people stopped in their tracks and looked for the sourceof the music--and smiled when they saw it. Incredible sound pours outof this little beauty, and that's just the beginning of its list ofmerits. Milwaukee says it will withstand an 8-foot drop to concrete,and while we were unwilling to test this theory out on our radio, thesturdy construction and stout roll bars look like they could easilytake it. Better still is the power source: plug it in or use a12-, 14.4-, or 18-volt tool battery. Detractors don't like the factthat there's no built-in battery charger, but if you're running it offa battery, there's no power for a charger anyway. We say no big deal.The radio does, however, have a pass-through plug and a cell phonepower port. You can even tune in to National Weather Service broadcaststo see if your construction day's going to end early. The icing on thecake--it's a looker, too. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Rockford Fosgate Sound System with Punch EQ
• Rugged construction withstands 8-foot drop to concrete
• Digital tuning with up to 20 presets
• 5-1/4" weather resistant speakers with separate tweeters

Reviews (32)

Best Job Site Radio Available!!
This radio is great!I started reviewing all these type radio's along with messing around with a few my friends already had (the DeWalt) and finally bought the Milwaukee. It sounds so much better than Bosch's and both DeWalt's versions.
I use it on my atv - strapped securely to the rack (front or back) and it couldn't work better.Reception is CRYSTAL CLEAR, 10 progammable presets save so much time, the speakers have great clarity at ALL volumes (two 5 1/4's and two TWEATERS - 4 total speakers unlike the other two brands equipped with only two),Digital Display is very easy to read day or night (back lit Display!), BASS boost X3 and Mono/Stereo Options make it sound that much better, 7+ Channel Weatherbands work great,cigarrette lighter adapter on the back can be used for all sorts of things, and the accessory bag attached to the back of the radio works great for holding an MP3 player, along with any other valuables, using Aux. Mode.All this in a radio that is water-resistant and strong/durable enough to ride on an ATV.This radio far surpasses Dewalt's DW911 or the DC011 and Bosch's versions.Listen for yourself!!!!You WILL agree!!!!

Good but could be better
I researched job site radios for about 3 months before I actually bought this one.I don't just spend $89 on a whim.I work in a lumber mill so I needed a tough radio to compete with the noise of the saws and the air filled with sawdust.First the pros:sturdy construction, easy to use interface, nice "extras" like the power port and the device input jack, awesome bass, good volume, backlit display (and digital!) when tuning stations in, picks up stations fairly well.The cons: very heavy (about 25 #'s) not so easy to carry far distances...a shoulder strap would make it easier, not as loud as I thought it would be but far louder than standard radios, the antenna broke off only 3 weeks after I owned it.I have since JB Weld-ed it back on and it works fine.I can't get any of the weather band stations it claims to be able to pick up so that feature is useless to me.It needs a few improvements in design and quality and I'll be anxious to see how Milwaukee improves this radio in the next few years.It's a very good radio and I would buy it again but I'm not as impressed with it as I thought that I would be.Overall, I'm happy with it and would absolutely recommend it because I think it's one of the best job site radios out there right now.

I love this thing!
My 11 year-old son wanted a jobsite radio for Christmas. He just thought they were cool especially after seeing the Bosch.I bought the Bosch several weeks before Christmas and listened to it in my kitchen.The radio reception was poor and the sound even worse.I took it back and purchased the Milwaukee.What a difference!He understood why I switched brands on him and loves his new boom box.I liked it so much I bought one for myself! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Milwaukee    2. (Milwakee)    3. (Milwuakee)    4. (Milwauke)    5. (Milwake)    6. Radios    7. Portable Radios    8. (Jobsite Radios)   

Editorial Review

Wimpy radios break down on the job site after a few weeks of bumps and knocks. That's why it's time to step up to DeWalt's brawny radio/battery charger with its tough-guy, dune-buggy-style protective roll bar. Winner of Business Week's Silver Award for Consumer Product Design, DeWalt's AM/FM boom box not only rocks the house, it also charges your 7.2- to 18-volt ni-cad batteries in just one hour. Built tough with cushioning rubber stops, DeWalt's radio can take a 6- to 8-foot drop without skipping a beat. The guts are completely weatherproof against rain, snow, dust, and debris, while a silicone coating on the speakers resists cracking and keeps dust from building up. The bendable antenna resists destruction. Is there a downside? Not really. The reception isn't quite what we'd like inside metal or concrete buildings, but that's it. The radio/charger plugs in with a standard cord, and out of reach of a convenient power source, the radio will also run off 7.2- to 18-volt DeWalt batteries. (Note: this radio does not accept DW 9051, 9050, 904, or 9046 batteries.) If CDs and tapes are more your style, plug your Discman or tape deck into the auxiliary port. Is it time to get rid of that beat-up blaster and crank your tunes with a tool that's designed to be job site tough? --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• One hour charge time, listen while charging battery
• Charges 7.2- to 18-volt DeWalt batteries
• AM/FM stereo radio
• Protective roll cage and steel grille for durability
• Auxillary port for CD and cassette players

Reviews (40)

Ok radio with charger
My well-intentioned wife bought me the DeWalt radio/charger for Christmas (thinking all my tools were DeWalt). Little does she know I am a Milwaukee loyalist since picking up my first Milwaukee tool. :)

I really liked the DeWalt radio, but when my wife found out almost all my cordless tools were Milwaukee (only DeWalt I have it the 9.6V drill), she said I could exchange the DeWalt radio for the Milwaukee if I wanted. Since I am fairly sentimental, I really wanted to keep the DeWalt. However, I just couldn't resist a "listening competition" between my radio and my neighbor's Milwaukee. Unfortunately for my wife's gift, my sentimental side isn't quite as strong as my audio side. Given the side-by-side comparison, the choice was clear - Milwaukee.

If you really need the DeWalt charging function, then the Milwaukee isn't a choice for you.However, if you are looking primarily for a job-site radio, then go with the Milwaukee instead.Plus the Milwaukee has other nice features like easier to use digital tuning, a stereo/mono switch, longer cord, a 12V outlet, a pass-through plug, and a nice bag to hold various items.

Neither of these radios are going to provide high fidelity sound, but the Milwaukee will come much closer.

Suitable For Jobsites Only
OK, the audio is pretty scratchy, and the little antenna will not pull in weak, distant stations.But let's remember what this radio/charger was designed to do:provide audible music above the noise level of saws, drills, compressors, etc.For this mission, you will find it more than adequate.The high- treble audio, while perhaps irritating in the living room, is a plus to cut through loud jobsite noise.. and let's remember that this unit, with a built-in charger and drop-proof construction, basically costs little more that a charger itself.No, it will never win any audio awards, and if you need high-fidelity bass response (despite the jobsite noise), then the Milwaukee is your choice (without a charger).But if you have DeWalt cordless tools at the jobsite anyway, and if your priority is getting the work done (as opposed to listening to the finest music), this unit not disappoint you.Just be sure you are within 50 miles of a strong station!

Can you spell J U N K?
If you intend to bounce this radio down the street then you picked the right one but for listing purposes forget it! JUNK! I've bought radios at the 99 cent store that have better reception than this battery charger with a roll bar. Your workers willspend more time trying to find a station than working on their project. Unless you're in a situation where you need to defend your life by beating someone to death with this radio... make another choice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Radios    5. Portable Radios    6. (Jobsite Radios)   

Features

• Allow clear two-way communication up to two miles away (depending on terrain and conditions)
• Pocket-size radio measures just 3-3/4 in. long and weighs only 5-1/4 oz
• Comes with a NiMH rechargeable battery that runs for up to 11 hours on a single three hour charge
• It offers 14 channels and 38 different interference codes and an LCD screen for channel and battery display
• Operates off a family radio service created by the FCC

Subjects:  1. Radios    2. Two-Way Radios   

Features

• Rechargeable
• Graphite black
• Measures 3-3/4 in. long
• Lightweight 5-1/4 oz
• LCD screen for channels

Subjects:  1. Radios    2. Two-Way Radios   

Features

• 7-1/8 by 2-5/8 by 4 inches
• 45 minutes of play-time when fully cranked
• Built in solar-panel for up to 14 hours of use
• Telescopic antenna for FM and built-in antenna for AM
• Clear Translucent Case

Reviews (5)

Good except for the gear noise
The reception and sound are good for a portable. This may be the only windup radio which does not have rechargable batteries. Rechargable batteries give longer playing time but need to be replaced eventually.
My only complaint is the gear noise. The sound is constantly annoying unless the volume is turned up more than halfway.
Most modern gadgets are marvels of miniaturization compared with this radio. The Freeplay FPR2SC in clear plastic resembles the electronics kits sold as education toys, but that is part of its appeal.
Other than the gear noise, the design is good in general if bulk is not a consideration. The gears hunt with a period of about 1 second. The gears almost stop with each cycle. The grating noise comes when the gears spin fast. The belt wheels are wobbely, but don not appear to be the cause of the hunting. The hunting is likely due to the electrical generator control.

Freeplay solar crank radio
Not a bad radio....does what it says...works on solar but needs cranked when sun goes behind a cloud.The only problem I have with it is when used in a moving vehicle turning corners the reception goes in and out.Would be great for the beach.

What a great little radio!
We've had our freeplay radio for about 2 years now, and absolutely love it.We initially purchased it for use outside, away from available electrical outlets.But in truth, we use it everywhere.It takes about 30 seconds to wind up, and then plays for about 45 minutes.If you are using it outside in the sun-- even better-- as the solar power keeps in going.The reception is as clear a traditional radio.It does have a place to plug in an AC adapter, if you really want to go that route-- but since it plays so long with minimal winding, why bother! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Radios    2. Portable Radios    3. (Jobsite Radios)   

Features

• 45 minutes of play-time when fully cranked
• Built in solar-panel for up to 14 hours of use
• Telescopic antenna for FM and built-in antenna for AM
• Black Case
• 7-1/8 by 2-5/8 by 4 inches

Reviews (5)

Works fine -- until it stops working
I bought two of these hoping to save some energy.After five months, one radio would work using only the ac adaptor.Nothing would happen if I cranked it or put it in the sun.Since it was still under warranty, I sent it back to Freeplay.They never answered.The second radio lasted fifteen months....

Freeplay FPR2S-M Black Hand-Cranked Solar Radio
Freeplay FPR2S-M Black Hand-Cranked Solar Radio is a surprisingly good value.The sound quality and reception far exceeded my expectations.It is a little bulky so that makes it a little clumsy.

Great Radio for camping and power outages
I like these radios a lot. I gave out a slightly different model, the 360s, as presents last Christmas. It was the hit present.The differenceis the 360s doesn't have a handle and the spring is slightly smaller so itlasts maybe 20 minutes instead of the 30/40 that this one does. This makesthe case slightly smaller. The speaker is also smaller but the soundquality is still good.

Radio reception is great. It uses the same basicradio components that are in all modern radios. The antenna is replaceableif you accidently bend it. It looks like a standard part which would beavailable from radio shack or similiar store. (It unscrews from theoutside, which is good, as you don't ever want to open one of these springwound gizmos.)

If you place it in direct sunlight, the solar panel seemsto generate enough electricty that you don't have to wind it. On a cloudyday it seems to need an occasional wind.

These radios have come a longway since they first started manufacturing them in '95. They are made inSouth Africa by people who are disabled in some way so you can feel goodthat you are supporting a worthy cause. Freeplay originally designed theseradios to be operated in the bush country where no one has power andbatteries are few and expensive.The U.N. disaster relief also is supposedto hand these radios out to people in areas where the power has beendistroyed.

The only reason I'm awarding 4 stars instead of 5, is that themechanism for the spring is under such tension that the plastic wheelholding the spring inside rubs against the wheel which stores the spring,when it is unwinding. After a number of windings this little bit of plastichas worn away and the sound of grating plastic is gone. I've got a clearone and can see that this extra bit of missing plastic in no way harms themechanism.It looks like they just need a slightly larger clearancebetween these two wheels, or a slightly stiffer bearing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Radios    2. Portable Radios    3. (Jobsite Radios)   

Features

• Dependability, convenience, and exceptional sound quality
• Plays on spring power that can be rewound without interrupting radio reception
• Solar panel charges without winding
• Approximately 15 hours of playing time when fully charged

Reviews (6)

Great little radio, but...
The Freeplay S360 was at first a wonderful gift. It worked great and sounded really good for such a small speaker. BUT- when I crank it up now I get no power whatsoever- a little static and then nothing. Maybe the battery does wear out after all?

Love this radio!
Works like a charm and great to have while camping or in an emergency.Clear sound and easy to use.Highly recommend!

Bought this radio, can't get it any sound from sp or headph.
I bought this radio and it seems to not work. The one detracting point is that the instructions are sparse and don't help you troubleshoot when something seems to be wrong. I have tried winding it 60 cranks with and without the radio turned on after that was comleted in hopes that it would play, and I tried the "successive" charges that the instructions vaguely specifies, in hope that the first time the battery is charged might require multipe or "successive" sets of cranks, but no luck. I guess I have no choice but to write for an RMA #. You see, they seem to have no web support so I could talk to someone prior to giving up. It appears that you are to write right away for an RMA. I guess they could write back with suggestions, but it doesn't lket me talk with someone. Truthfully, I believe this is a great radio, but in all fairness I think that my experience does point out several shortcomings that most would not experience until in my shoes... the instructions are sparse and don't help when something is going wrong, the web support dumps you straight to requesting an RMA # (I think they should offer some help somewhere along the way in case the problem could be overcome). Additionally, when you return your radio through no fault of your own, yet you loose your color selection. Seems they should be able to keep a selection of new replacements on hand, afterall, we aren't getting a discount for our trouble and we have no assurance that the replacement radios won't be someone else's item which was refurbrished , in which case we don't know what they did to it once they realised theirs didn't work, and who knows what they might have done to cause it not to work. ( Third point there). Afterall, (...) for a small portable AM/FM radio whose reception appears to be nothing above ordinary is a fairly high end purchase and worthy of some some consideration of the customer beyond what has been shown in my experience, so far. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Jobsite Radios)    2. Portable Radios    3. Radios