Table of Contents

Sangean CL-100 Table-Top Radio
Overall
4.1
  • Sound quality
  • Quality of material
  • Battery life
  • Tech Support

Summary

The Sangean CL-100 weather radio is a great option for those looking for a budget radio that provides premium features. It is a handy radio that can be used during natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, typhoons, etc where the communication with the outer world is extremely critical. It stores up to 20 Alert Messages and 10 Memory Station Presets among a variety of other features. As for the battery, it comes with a AC adapter for charging and Sangean also provides the option to use AA batteries to operate the radio in case of emergencies.

Pros

  • Quite affordable considering the features it provides
  • Extremely accurate
  • Build quality is commendable
  • Sound quality is crisp

Cons

  • Tech support is not the best though you are quite unlikely to need it anyway

Founded by the Yang brothers in 1974, Sangean Enterprise has made a name for itself in the market. The most distinctive part of this brand is that they do not outsource the production of electronics. In other words, they manufacture each of their products within the company itself making them a dominant player in their space. Sangean Radios are models you want to bring into your home.

Sangean CL-100 Table-Top Radio Review 1

Sangean CL-100 is one of their most remarkable table-top emergency handy radios that can be used during natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, typhoons, etc where the communication with the outer world is extremely critical. It contains all key features that are necessary to receive information from the natural disaster office. It is also quite convenient and includes a Wake-Up System. It would inform you about severe weather conditions, civil emergencies, evacuation details, and more.

Who Needs The Sangean CL-100 Table-Top Radio?

As we all know, nature controls us and can hit hard at any given time. During those times, communication channels such as TVs, mobile phones are likely to lose their powers. In order to stay on par with the weather condition in your area, you require a weather radio accompanied by a source of backup power. So, it is always advisable to have a high-quality weather radio such as the Sangean Cl-100 either at your workplace or at home.

Why We Recommend The Sangean CL-100 Table-Top Radio

Size

When it comes to emergency or desktop radios, their shape and size plays a major role. Given below are the dimensions and weight of Sangean CL-100 

● Dimensions (WxHxD): 7.16″ x 2.49″ x 5.19″ 

● Weight: 1.1 pounds 

Appearance

LCD 

With outstanding display quality and a wide range of angles, the device measures 128 x 64 pixels. We can also adjust the contrast and brightness if we are using it in dark places. Additionally, it can store up to 20 event messages 

Digital Signal Processing 

The device consists of a digital signal processing (DSP) chip and it also consists of 5 station presets for which AM/FM band.preset buttons help us in saving a lot of time. CL-100 has an auto-station-search function. It also comes with RBDS capabilities, which means that the signal will be decoded through an RBDS receiver. 

Dual Alarm and Auto Shut Off 

Besides using CL-100 as a weather radio, you can also use it as the perfect alarm clock where we can set the dual alarm time and you can use whether to wake up to AM/FM radio sounds or HWS buzzer alarms and it also has a snooze button just like a typical Alarm clock. The sleep timer can be set from 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, to 120 minutes, in addition to that radio can be turned off automatically. 

Special Features 

The other special features of Sangean CL-100 include information such as date, time, radio messages, and also a program service name. It also has a 3.5 mm stereo aux input socket which enables the device to connect to external audio devices like MP3 and CD player. Sangean CL-100 also has a built-in external alert output jack. 

Store 25 Country Code 

CL-100 has a special feature in which you can store up 25 country codes. It just takes you to program the S.A.M.E county codes on the website of NOAA and then in the CL-100. You can easily program them to your area’s weather forecast as well as the sound alerts of Surrounding Countries 

Two ways Antenna Usage 

The Sangean CL-100 can be used with either a fixed or embedded antenna for the reception of AM, FM, or weather channels in all directions. There is also another option where you can purchase the ANT-100 magnetic spiral antenna for distant stations such as remote areas. 

Usability

When an alert is received, the alert sounds the radio automatically switches to the voice broadcast, this is where Sangean CL-100 truly stands out. And it also displays NOAA text messages on the LCD screen. The criticality of the situation is being demonstrated by three color-coded LED lights as follows: “Watch” (orange), “Advisory” (yellow) or “Warning” (red). 

The CL-100 uses 4 AA batteries for back-up power which guarantees the long lasting battery life. As discussed earlier, it receives NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather channels and reports. Feeling safe is nothing like owning a Sangean CL-100, knowing that you can wake up when danger is approaching. 

CL-100 also many cool features which can be used in your day-to-day life, such as the FM and Alarm clock and it the device is also in such a way which is easy to access 

Cost

Priced at $67.69, the Sangean CL-100 is an economical choice when considering its top-tier features. You can get it slightly at a lower price in Amazon sales which amounts to $56.88 where you could save 16%.

Sangean CL-100 Table-Top Radio Alternatives

1. Midland WR400 Weather Radio

Just like the Sangean CL-100, the Midland WR400 is a desktop type weather radio. It also uses the S.A.M.E. digital technology backed by the National Weather Service in order to get its intel. It is programmable for up to 25 different counties/provinces while also providing custom alerts for them. It is an AM/FM radio with alarm buzzer . As for the battery, it can be charged using the AC power adapter that comes out of the box although the company also gives you the option to use AA batteries as an emergency option to operate the radio.

2. Midland E+Ready ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Alert Radio

The Midland E+Ready ER310 is an AM/FM based emergency crank weather alert radio. It provides NOAA weather updates at any given time. Since It is an emergency device, they are designed in such a way that it is portable. It is also waterproof and shockproof. This model of emergency radios can be charged by a solar power bank. Therefore, it is an ideal choice in times of crisis.

A Final Word

As long as you are well prepared, you don’t have to be worried about the cyclones and tornadoes in your area. After reviewing the Sangean CL-100, we can come to a conclusion that the device is good enough and can do much better most of its competitors in its price range.

Last update on 2023-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API