Job site radio

[TheMan419]

Looking for a rugged radio to keep out in the barn. Barn is not insulated. When it warms up above freezing there is some condensation that drips. It killed the regular ole radio we had out there.

Looking at some job site radios. They are all designed to run off the same battery system that powers your drill etc. They want like $100 plus for the bare (no battery) radio.

I want one that just plugs into a wall outlet.

My google skills are lacking for this for some reason. Anyone have one they like?

 

[JK22]

I would find a mobile unit and use a DC converter. Most rechargeable batteries are going to freeze and lose capacity in that environment. What frequency/band do you need?

 

[George2615]

Here's a bunch of jobsite radios. Many for under $100 that come with an AC plug or an AC adapter (wall cube) and are water resistant.
I bought a cheapy at a pawn shop for my garage but I don't have moisture problems. Mine was originally around $300 when new with built in 3 CD changer, digital AM/FM, dual cassette with 2 speakers. I got it for $15.00 2 years ago and its still working fine. Check a local pawn shop for a good deal.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...2796&msclkid=0644fae369b9136fbb5ea062b4e219d0

Jobsite Radios - Power Tool Accessories - The Home Depot

jobsite radio | eBay

 

[JK22]

Oh... that kind of radio... I was thinking communications.

 

[JK22]

Try this: Amazon.com: Sangean LB-1 Compact AM/FM Ultra Rugged Radio Receiver: Home Audio & Theater

I wouldn’t go with anything with a rechargeable battery for the reasons stated above.

 

[frugalangler]

I would find a mobile unit and use a DC converter. Most rechargeable batteries are going to freeze and lose capacity in that environment. What frequency/band do you need?

I would find a marine unit and use a DC converter.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Many of the battery operated job site radios by such as dewalt and Milwaukee brands do not require a battery. The battery is a option. And their usually water resistant at least since their for construction sites. Just have to read the box label or check out the web sites. Many also will charge your cordless tool battery while their plugged into a AC outlet. So your get a free charger (and a battery depending on the package) out of the deal.

 

[bigtiller]

Like red said, I think they all plug into the wall outlet and use battery power as an option. I have had 2 Makita radios for 3 years and have never use it with the battery. They all are pretty tough and durable so shopping by price may be the easiest way to go.

 

[RNeumann]

I used to be that guy. But job site radios are like anything else on a job site- they get kicked, knocked over and spray painted. Now I just go on amazon or someplace that sells cheapo radios and use that- of course the cheaper they are the longer the go without damage!!!
These days a lot of folks are playing music or listening to shows on their phones. In that case all you need are some Bluetooth speakers- same thing- a $15 pair is just fine. No need to spend $100. The audio quality isn’t there in a shop.

 

[TheMan419]

I used to be that guy. But job site radios are like anything else on a job site- they get kicked, knocked over and spray painted. Now I just go on amazon or someplace that sells cheapo radios and use that- of course the cheaper they are the longer the go without damage!!!
These days a lot of folks are playing music or listening to shows on their phones. In that case all you need are some Bluetooth speakers- same thing- a $15 pair is just fine. No need to spend $100. The audio quality isn’t there in a shop.

This is for SWMBO. Wants something simple. Just wants to listen to FM radio and maybe a -gasp- CD while she is cleaning stalls. So simple is better. She bought a cheap radio/cd player, but it is not really meant for out door use so we will see how long that lasts. If I could get her to just go with FM radio we could get something for like $10 that would would. Don't need bose quality that is for sure.

 

[coolreinfarm]

I bought the radio in the Amazon link above 5 years ago for my wife for use in the barn, it hangs from baler twine on the handle and has been flawless. I take it out every couple of years and blow off the dirt and hay off, has good sound.

 

[JK22]

I would find a marine unit and use a DC converter.

God catch. I agree. (Although finding a marine DC converter might be hard).

 

[lennyzx11]

I'm pretty happy with my Milwaukee 18v charger/radio.
One of the features is that it's Bluetooth. I never thought I would use that but find myself connecting to it with my phone and listening to podcasts and audiobooks while I continue working on something in the shop.

 

[RNeumann]

This is for SWMBO. Wants something simple. Just wants to listen to FM radio and maybe a -gasp- CD while she is cleaning stalls. So simple is better. She bought a cheap radio/cd player, but it is not really meant for out door use so we will see how long that lasts. If I could get her to just go with FM radio we could get something for like $10 that would would. Don't need bose quality that is for sure.

If it’s outdoor, marine rated and DC voltage (based on the posts so far) why not get a “car stereo” style unit and put it in either a custom box or a pre made box? You can put the speakers anywhere in the barn with this approach.

I just doubled the number of people who gave you a project! Lol

 

[Redlands Okie]

Need to be careful ordering one of those marine units. You could find a handsome soldier type waiting for her in the barn.........

P.S. advise you to leave out the AC / DC issue on that unit

 

[mobilus]

I've used a $120
ION Audio Tailgater (iPA77) | Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker with Mic, AM/FM Radio, and USB Charge Port for years. Cold hasn't affected the battery.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have an older and very abused Makita 18V radio that also has a cord that you can plug into an outlet. Battery lasts about ten hours. Reception is good, and the sound is very impressive. I saw a newer model out the other day in Home Depot that has me tempted to upgrade!!

 

[Redneck in training]

I have Bosch bought several years ago. Not recommended unless they fixed the battery charging feature. It supposed to charge battery but when it does it makes loud "clicking" sound in the speakers every few seconds. You have to remove the battery when the cord is plugged in. It has OK sound and has a remote control.

 

[dodge man]

Not really a good outdoor radio, but I have had a Bose Wave radio in my shop for several years. It keeps dry in my shop but it is dusty. I'm not really a stereo snob, but I do like good audio.