The new Roberts SolarDAB 99 is a rugged portable radio—quite literally—that should feel perfectly at home on a campsite or serve equally well as an emergency radio.
These are strange times, something most of us can probably agree on. It therefore no longer comes as much of a surprise that governments are advising households to prepare emergency kits that include, among other things, a radio. That applies not only in the Netherlands, but in many other EU countries and beyond.
You could, of course, simply buy the cheapest model available and then never use it again. Alternatively, you could opt for something a little more capable, such as the new Roberts SolarDAB 99. Thanks to its built-in solar panels, hand-crank dynamo and USB-C connection, there are several ways to recharge the unit.
Its extremely robust housing is also IP55-rated for resistance to water and dust, so the radio can safely be taken outdoors. That makes it suitable for holidays, camping trips, hiking through the wild and untamed scenery of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, and much more besides. At least that way, it will not spend eternity gathering dust inside an emergency kit.
DAB+ and FM
The Roberts SolarDAB 99 features both FM and DAB+ tuners, with 20 presets available for each. A headphone output allows for private listening without disturbing others. There is also a USB-A output for charging other devices. Via the AUX input, the SolarDAB 99 can additionally be used as a speaker for connected external sources. Finally, the radio includes a built-in torch, white and red emergency flashing lights with an SOS signal in Morse code, and an emergency siren.
The unit weighs 837 grams, comes with a carrying strap and is priced at £150.