Kaito KA900 Voyager MAX Emergency Radio | Full Review
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- Опубликовано: 31 дек 2018
- The new flagship portable emergency radio by Kaito. The KA900 Voyager MAX adds Shortwave and Stereo functionality to the existing KA700 platform. Does it succeed as being one of the best money can buy? Watch to find out.
▶ The Kaito KA900 Voyager MAX at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2SlshRL
▶ The Kaito KA900 Voyager MAX at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2Lz9Jea
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Features I like about this radio:
FM reception is stellar.
Speaker audio is superb, the stereo separation is clear and well defined.
Bluetooth 4.1
Direct Entry Keypad for entering radio stations and memory presets.
Replaceable, Standard button top, protected 18650 cell.
Updated Flashlight with more throw, it is very useful now.
Reading lamps.
Solar Panel.
Dynamo.
MP3 timed recording & playback.
Tons of presets.
Large and easy to read display.
NOAA weather band reception is amazing.
Alarm function is very customizable.
Calendar function.
Text Reader Function. A great tool in an emergency.
EQ settings on MP3 Playback.
Various Repeat modes for MP3 player.
Easy to carry.
Cool Color.
Features that could be added or improved on:
AM Circuit needs improvement. Crackles on tuning, upper part of the band is plagued with internal interference.
SW has too many bands for a digital radio. I would like to see it divided into maybe 7 at the most.
Overall, this emergency radio is for the person who wants the best FM and NOAA reception they can get on an emergency radio, with the benefits of great stereo sound. If you want AM and SW that works decent then the 600L may be the option for you. My choice is the KA700. I don't need SW on my emergency radio and the KA700 has a better AM circuit along with most of the functionality of the KA900.
Future Band Scans of the KA900 are upcoming, I will bring the KA700 so we can compare reception on the AM band.
Thank you for watching.
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▶ The Kaito KA900 Voyager MAX at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2SlshRL
▶ The Kaito KA900 Voyager MAX at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2Lz9Jea
(paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
What a radio! Having FM in an emergency should calm me down.😊
WOW, excellent review!!!! Thank you, I will be getting one of these bad boys!
time for me to buy one this week i love it
Great review Thanks!
Today, I just bought this radio on eBay for $99.00 with Free Shipping too! Great Review!
Thank you Semectual. It is a great radio on FM, NOAA and the MP3/BT features. AM is decent, I would use it for locals. SW in a pinch.
Great video thanks man
that looks like a really good radio i think i'll pick one up
I had bought this radio directly from the Kaito company in Montclair, CA on eBay for $59 only. it was refurbished but I could not tell any difference as it looked brand new. I put it away in my RV for several months and just took it out as I am taking a camping trip and wanted to see all the functions on RUclips. It has many nice features but I just love the 18650 battery which is easily obtainable and rechargeable. it lasts a long time and I just hate AA or AAA batteries that always leak and ruin my devices. Thanks for the comprehensive review. I am looking forward to using it.
Do the 18650s need to be 2000mAh, or can I go above that? I'm a bit new to this so I'm afraid to damage my KA900, and I can't find anything that matches the 2000mAh battery that came with it.
It can be as high as 3500mah. The voltage of the battery is what matters as long as the voltage is about 3.7 volts, then the nah can be as high as 10,000mah or more or as little as 100 mah.
@@SoukaDeezNutz
@@SoukaDeezNutz mah can be as high or low as you want it to be. The voltage has to be 3.6 -3.7 volts.
@@sandasturner9529 I appreciate it!
Nice radio!
Kaito does it again.
Amazing radio. I do think I will wait a couple years till they work out the bugs.
Seems more a shop radio than real emergency radio .
I think they are beginning to cram features into it than make it more “purpose “ oriented.
Great review.
📻🙂👍‼️
And only the rechargeable battery ❓
Only the one cell. Wish they could fit a backup AA compartment in there.
todderbert ‼️
todderbert
It’s funny how they create a new model with new features, but lose some other features at the same time. 😕
Great tutorial...
Good review. Was wondering since the initial review if the SW has improved now. Does anyone know?
that is one great sounding radio...i would bye it...10-21-2019.....
Excellent review of this Radio!. I like this Radio. It is Feature Packed. I just ordered it and should receive it in a couple days. I have a Tecsun AM Coil Loop for Home, and I also made a few DIY AM Travel antenna's that will stay With this Radio, it is a 4 inch diameter Loop, with 7 coils, with a separate 30' foot separate lead, I can extend out if needed, throw up into a tree, with a Ground rod Attachment, that is my outside/Travel Antenna, like Car/Truck/RV. So for me Enhancing the Reception/Gain of All my Radios just Goes with this Radio Hobby and Part of the Fun of it. I would Like to have seen a Video of you searching AM with this Kaito using your Tecsun AM Loop to see how much it Improved, i would expect Quite a Bit. 2years after your review Hopefully they updated and fixed all issues with this radio by Now.
I liked that this Radio has all the Features that it does. It is Much different from My other Emergency Radios, It is More Like a Emergency Radio, that is also an Entertainment Radio, this alone could quite possibly be a Stress reliever during a Stressful situation.
I bought this one because I couldn't resist the novel look, and I love radios with recording to SD card. You're right, they need to improve the AM and SW performance. SW reception is particularly difficult in the city on these DSP radios; I have to leave the antenna very short to escape local AM bleed-through. This prevents me from being able to enjoy maximum SW sensitivity that the extended antenna would bring. I have to say that the audio quality is a pleasant surprise, and the stereo separation is great out of the speakers. I like the line-in feature and assume you can record from that as well. So for me this is sort of an all-in-one fun machine. If they improve the MW/SW performance, I'll be first in line for a second sample!
I agree Chuck, as you will see in the band scan video to follow, I had similar bleed through issues on SW.
@@todderbert does it record the line in aux onto sd card?
I am kind of looking at buying one of these. Glad I held out on the KA600. If you are looking at the 310ET and Sangean WR-7, then I might sell them to get this especially now I live in Florida and a weather radio will be must during hurricane season.
It does very well on FM, BT and Media functions. It falls short on the MW and SW bands. Check out the band scan video : ruclips.net/video/dsRG9OAs7UY/видео.html
I bet duel speakers sounds great on that radio because one sounds great
I noticed that some of those mp3 files said RUclips I was wondering if you used the Bluetooth function to play those and if you recorded them using the recorded function. If you could use the Bluetooth function to play a certain song and record a certain song that would be amazing
I like everything about how this looks, except those calculator buttons on the front.
What similar radio would be recommended with the best short wave and AM reception or HAM radio reception? Thanks in advance!
Hi mate, would you still recommend the 700? Cheers
Does anyone know if you can advance or pick what mp3 files you can play on this unit, or does it just play straight through with select ability?
Now THIS is what you call, a luxury emergency radio.
If you need shortwave the KA600 is good, I am partial to the new C.Crane CC Solar Emergency radio...boy does that one perform well on the bands.
Please tell
Why would you need or want blu tooth ?
I would love to see a review on the ka700 versus the ka900. I'm in the market for an emergency radio and then just trying to decide which one to get.
The KA700 is the better all around choice. If you need shortwave go with the KA600.
Just have to say that you didn’t test the AM band with the included external antenna. Why is this? Keep in mind that you can always replace the included telescoping FM antenna with a longer replacement that you could just throw into your backpack and use if you need to reach out and grab those distant FM stations. I wish you had shown the connection port for the a.m. external antenna wire. I have ideations of connecting a dipole antenna tuned to the AM commercial band. I will probably also connect a dipole to bring in the HF freaks. Hopefully there have been some improvements since you first posted this. I’m about to hit the purchase button on Amazon. Great job on all your videos, actually. I really appreciate you taking the time to review.
The model radio I own does not have an external antenna jack. If it did, it would most likely be for FM/SW. MW is a different animal.
Can you review the GR98 DSP EMERGENCY CRANKING RADIO, thanks
Coming soon!
Any updates to this or is the 700 still the way to go? Stereo Bluetooth really has me wanting this for a shave and shower radio. Always on clock would be nice too.
For a purist, the emergency radio of choice would be the KA600. The KA700 is my personal choice because it has a better AM band then the KA900. The 900 has amazing audio on FM/Music/ & BT. For a shave and shower radio I would leans towards something made by Sangean that has BT and has emergency weather alerts along with being waterproof. Plus you get a flashlight. amzn.to/2mMKo8k
Have there been any improvements since you first posted this sometime around three years ago?
Probably not. Kaito sticks to one design, and rarely updates it.
Missing SSB on SW?
What is the best Kaito radio ? Theres so many to choose from. I dont need the non essential feature like mp3, sd etc. im more interested in that in can charge your phone, noaa, solar and crank. Thank you
They add those as secondary features. I really like the Kaito KA400: ruclips.net/video/i2-EXXj5yJ8/видео.html , it has BT/MP3 but you don't have to use them. The weather alert mode is handy. I recommend a power bank for charging phones. These radios only have a small capacity of 2,000mAh or so. I would recommend at least a 15,000mAh powerbank: amzn.to/3crRSSm , my review: ruclips.net/video/FQ7J-CHgqew/видео.html
RUclips is very helpful to me
You can also get these refurbished directly from kaito for 59.99 on ebay if they have them in stock. Bought mine like that with chase rewards points, too easy
I ended up getting the ka 600 model. Due to the always on display and the size of it.that's good for us old farts ok. Lol Thanks for your advice. You said the 500 model I was asking about the 700 model. I split the difference with u. Lol. Have a great day from Charles
Just came across this video and I was wondering if you know of a good AM FM with a record function that starts at a preset time and even better shuts off at a preset time. Thanks in advance!
There is the older C.Crane CC Witness, I would probably use a dedicated radio and a separate recorder such as the Sangean DAR-101
Thanks for the quick reply. I mainly wanted it to record Coast to Coast at night while I'm sleeping. It's probably cheaper and easier to subscribe to the podcast instead. Just found you on RUclips about three weeks ago and I really enjoy your content and style!
Recently purchased this radio, seems to be stuck in FM function. Will not switch to WB OR SW. The display lock symbol is not showing on the display so I'm assuming it is turned off. Any advise?
Try removing the battery for awhile. I do not see a reset switch on the radio.
TOo big!
I was wondering which one is best for survival purposes.
Probably a small, low power consuming radio. I like the Kaito KA500, and the CC Solar Observer. My favorite emergency radio setup is the regular CC Skywave with a Powerbank to keep it charge. The power bank also has a flashlight and is compact to fit in a case along with the radio.
I have had the KA900 for about a couple of months now and I have the same observations as you, Todderbert. AM and SW are not great on this radio, especially AM...which is abysmal. FM and WX are pretty good and it has very good audio, but overall I am not wowed by this one.
i would never buy another one it was so problematic and factory issues from day one dont do it you will regret it
Did you try to return/exchange it? That’s why it’s so hard to read 1 star reviews: people never include the seller:manufacturer response. Kaito is normally pretty responsive.
@@jaredbaratono897 they wouldnt even give me the option just kept sending factory techs out that took up to a month to get here
Sadly , I'm biased against any thing with the Hand Crank dynamo , please convince me these this actually work . I have TWO KA390s . I used a KA390 24/7 in very hot 120+ 95% humidity and very cold and 20 degrees , after 2 years it's dying , the selector switch is worn out , FM/AM/SW/WB . The band selection switch is worn out , for 20 bucks it should be in every kit . 3D batteries last a month if used a few hours a day . I'm here looking for an Upgrade .I really want a C Crane but they don't check all the boxes .
Can u record the line in aux audio
not a feature...would be cool if they would let you do that.
What would be your choice the 600 or the 900?
600 all the way. It is the best emergency radio Kaito sells. The 900 has too many issues with the MW and SW band to be very useful. It is excellent on FM/NOAA/MP3 Stereo playback though.
Where’s the Iron Man theme song, brother?
Don’t make me have to Unsubscribe. LOL! 🤣
I just came across your RUclips Channel today. Great stuff! Are you aware of a radio with a FM recorder that has a duration timer as well? I previously used a C.Crane Witness Plus but it died. I travel for work (or at least, I used to) so, I'm not always home to stop the recording. Thanks!
The only timed recorder I know of beside the Witness is the Larger Table Top Sangean DAR-101: amzn.to/3qcCpwy
@@todderbert Perfect! Thanks! Does it benefit you if I buy from the link above or is there another way?
@@davidsheridan2782 using the link helps the channel. :)
You don't seem to address the hand crank charger, in any video. A major component of all emergency radios. What's up with that?
The dynamos are meant for short term use. I always like to mention having extra batteries charged up and ready to go. Most emergency radios work well with their dynamos, as long as you don't rely on it to get the radio charged every time.
How is this radio now in 2022? Has it been improved? (UK user here)
Most Likely the Same. Kaito doesn't do many revisions of their products.
Ok. Thanks for getting back to me 👍 One quick question…. Would you recommend the ka500 or ka700 ? (I was a bit disappointed that the 700 doesn’t appear to have SW)
@@houstydude126 KA500.
Much appreciated 👍👍 Thank you for your help and stay safe out there 👍😉
can I hook this up to an external speaker for better sound
Using the headphone jack you can.
Nearly perfect but the biggest dealbreaker for me is there's no chance to operate it with AA Batteries too as an alternative....
There is a hand crank though
This is a really loud alert system probably
is its shortwave better then the ka600?
No, it is rather lacking on the KA900, the KA600 is probably the best emergency radio Kaito makes.
The question here is what do you use?
Currently the new C.Crane CC Radio Solar: ruclips.net/video/NP8b4W-mj7E/видео.html
Store your emergency radios in a faraday bag and even nest it if you can because in the event of a nuclear conflict they will become as useful as bricks.
$75 today at Amazon Cyber Monday
I don't like it. Too many functions and too many features. In an emergency I want really good AM and some FM (which does not need to be stereo), SW and weather. I don't recording or MP3. And you haven't shown whether it will take rechargeable common AAA batteries. Its also too expensive. I still like the KA500.
I joined amazon prime I think that was a mistake amazon charges so much more then ebay ,if things dont get better I am out
Give it a try, I use it for the fast shipping. You will sometimes find a deal on Amazon that beats Ebay. Also don't forget you get Prime Video and Music. I use the Music one a lot.
@@todderbert I will listen to you about amazon ,thank you sir for getting back to me ,your help you give your fans has been a great help
I like how prime is free shipping, but they haven't cheaper options where you pay shipping. Ends up a wash. So why am I paying for prime shipping again?
I notice amazon ca. Pays a 100.00 more then the rest of the country why
Import fees I imagine, plus the Canadian dollar is weak against the USD.
@@todderbert I live ca.why should I pay a 100.00 more then the rest of the country i live in.
Ron Thompson
Kaito.US. Has the radio for. $ 99.99 - Free shipping ( from California)
Any time I order a radio from them I pay debit card and they take the money, confirm - right then. Ships next day ❗️
I don’t know what their policy is for CA. residents- worth checking.
I just “google “ their site and call them from it.
They also are the “Official “ importer Of Tecsun, and handle all Kaito - Tecsun warranties.
Amazon.ca is for Canada, not California.
@@nor4277 By CA, do you mean Canada or California?
Great review but the radio seems way over priced compared to similar radios. The display looks exactly like many other radios that are half the price.
Perhaps this is the yuppie emergency radio?
Most likely. But a radio is better then none I guess.
Dudes way too much bells and whiskers fir an emery radio a cheap runningsnail is all you need. What do I know thi I’m just a teen.
Radio doesn't look friendly. Too industrial looking.
It's not my top pick, I like the KA700, and the KA600 is probably the best all around emergency radio they produce.
Is it possible that I am first yet again?
Yes it is! Hahaha!