For the most part, you"ll be operating this radio using batteries or optional AC adapter. Let"s say, however, you"re out camping or find yourself in some other desperate situation where power is unavailable. Well, this radio will work! You can crank it to operate and, while cranking, you can charge its internal batteries - but it can also work without batteries. Survival aside, you"ve got AM/FM and 7 Shortwave radio bands so you can listen to most of the world. There is also a built-in triple white LED light source that is surprisingly bright to shed light after the sun sets. Listen from the built-in speaker or with an earphone from the built-in miniplug. Overall, The Eton FR250 is a radio everyone should have for both everyday use and for emergencies. In a sense, this is a radio for all seasons and all times. In an emergency, this may be the most valuable thing to have. We suggest getting this today.