C. Crane Company - CC Observer (Black) - Toll Free (800) 522-8863

Description

FAQs

Specs

Manual

Testimonials

Yup — it looks familiar. The CC Observer is a wind-up emergency radio that makes no bones about outperforming a distant cousin. You might notice that we did a few things differently. For one thing, we tinkered with the AM for better reception, and then we put the LED flashlight on the side of the radio instead of the front. That way, when you turn it on the light doesn’t shine in your face, and when you carry it, you can use the flashlight to light your way while holding it in a more natural position. You can run the CC Observer off the built-in rechargeable batteries or you can go with 3 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included) if you prefer. Of course, if you don't have alkaline batteries around, just wind-up the radio and keep it running as long as you need. You can even use it to charge a cell phone.

In case you're wondering, along with good AM reception, you also get FM and the Weather band — which comes in really handy if you're using the radio during a power failure. The CC Observer has a built-in 2-inch speaker, or you can plug in your headphones for private listening in stereo.

Weight: 1 lb. Size: 7.25" W x 5.5" H x 2" D

We have included cell phone adapters for the most popular, recent model, cell phones so you can charge them with the CC Observer. We are unable to supply adapters for any other models at this time.

Certain models, like a Blackberry, can be charged but doing so requires vigorous cranking for a second or two to initialize the charge circuit on the phone. After that initial effort, you can crank it a normal pace.

Included cell phone adapters:
Moto V3 (Mini-B USB)
Samsung N630
Nokia 2.0mm
LG KG90
iPod & iPhone

How long will the CC Observer play for with a full charge?

On a full charge, the CC Observer should play for over 30 hours.

How long must the CC Observer be cranked for to fully charge it?

To achieve a full charge, the CC Observer must be cranked at a moderate speed (about two revolutions per second) for about 80 minutes.

At what rate must the CC Observer be cranked to achieve optimum charging?

Two revolutions per second will produce good results.

Can the CC Observer be operated using the optional AC power adapter?

Yes, but you if you plan on using the optional charging adapter for days to power the radio, we recommend unplugging the battery pack. Constantly charging the battery pack for more then 12 hours at a time will shorten its life.

When I wind-up my CC Observer, the crank arm seems to rotate freely, and it does not charge the radio. Why is this?

The rechargeable battery pack may not be plugged in completely. To check this, make sure the battery packs white connector is completely secured.

Why is the sound garbled on my CC Observer? How can I fix it?

The rechargeable battery pack may be depleted. Charging the unit for a few minutes should clear up the sound.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

POWER SOURCE
Batteries (optional):	3 AA size
Internal Battery Pack:	NiMH 2/3 AA 650 mAh
Battery Pack Charging Jack:	Internal Battery Pack can be charged with optional AC Adapter 5V 100mA DC
Winding Generator:	475-500 mA DC
POWER CONSUMPTION AT MODERATE VOLUME
AM:	14mA
FM:	22mA
Weather:	22mA
Flashlight:	15mA
Display light:	4mA
FREQUENCY COVERAGE
AM Band:	520 - 1710 kHz
FM Band:	87.5 - 108 MHz Stereo
Weather Band:	Ch. 1: 162.400 MHz Ch. 2: 162.425 MHz Ch. 3: 162.450 MHz Ch. 4: 162.475 MHz Ch. 5: 162.500 MHz Ch. 6: 162.525 MHz Ch. 7: 162.550 MHz
AUDIO
Speaker:	2.5"
Headphone Jack:	1/8" (3.5mm) Will accept stereo or mono jacks.
ANTENNA
AM Band:	Built-in Ferrite Bar
FM and Weather Band:	Telescopic whip antenna
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Dimensions:	7.25" W x 5.5" H x 2" D
Weight:	1 lb.
Note:	Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Manual

Size

Download Time

CC Observer Manual

404.13 KB

59 seconds @ 56KBps

10/2/2009

The Observer arrived today. I intend to use it on a regular basis, but it is also a great stand-by addition to my family's stock of emergency equipment and supplies. Thanks CCrane for a quality product which I know will provide years of service.

- E. B.
Memphis, TN

4/20/2009

Hello, C. Crane:

I bought the Observer to have a small, flexible travel portable radio that is a good overall performer on AM and FM. I am exacting in my radios. I have been using the radio for one week.

Pros: Sturdily built, easy-read backlit dial, smooth manual tuning. This is an unusually good performer on FM. It is the most selective portable FM radio I've ever tested. I live in a metal-framed high-rise and find that this is one of the few radios that does not overload from strong signals and create images over the FM band. The tone quality on FM is very sharp and pleasing, and the circuit noise is very low.

The radio is relatively insensitive on the weather band and the circuit noise is higher. It is useful for strictly local weather stations.

On AM, the radio is quite sensitive across the entire band, but listening for long periods even to local stations is unpleasant because of high circuit noise. Moreover, the AM sound lacks treble compared to FM, making voice even more difficult to discern.

The dynamo does acceptably charge the radio's rechargeable battery pack and is a good supplement to the AA batteries. AA batter life is lengthy even using rechargeable batteries.

The LED flashlight is a first for a radio of this type. It is well-positioned on the chassis and is very useful. The lighted dial is a nice touch, too. The control for the flashlight and the dial light is placed intelligently at the top of the chassis.

The jacks for headset, AC and cell charger are well-placed on the left side. All controls are labeled with sharp white lettering that is easy to see. The radio is appropriate for people of all ages looking for a straightforward radio with large and logically-located controls.

This is the best radio for the money I have ever bought. I would definitely recommend this to others, especially for its unusually fine FM performance.

I have bought 2 radios from C. Crane: the Observer and the CC Radio Plus. These are superior radios. I'll continue to visit Crane for radios in the future because I know the design is superior to the general run of radios found in stores. I'm comfortable with the satisfaction guarantee. I've bought too many radios from other sources and have never been sure what I'm getting and often cannot return them.

Thanks for paying attention to the radio listener market. Few vendors care what they sell or participate in design of what they sell. I am happy for what you do for radio listeners.

- A.N.
Hartford, CT

CC Observer (Blue)

CC Observer (Green)

CC Observer (Black)