Earphones could prove to be very important.

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A lot of Christmas items are hitting the shelf. My local Wal-Mart has AM/fM radios with headphones for $5. They only use 2 AA batteries and could be a big barter item. After thinking about it, I bought a new Sony Walkman for myself. I have battery radios in the house, but there might be a time I will not want the youngsters or over senstive to hear what may be broadcasted.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), September 08, 1999

Answers

Not only that, when you use earphones with your radio, you increase the battery life 5-10 fold.

-- Dooda (Power@forever.com), September 08, 1999.

I did not know that! Thanks for the information. Now I want feel quilty listening to my favorite program and falling asleep.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), September 09, 1999.

Dooda, are you serious?

Does it take that much energy to send the sound out through amplifiers? Does it help if you keep the volume lower?

If the kids are listening to their music at window-rattling levels, would making them turn it down save power?

This would be a great way to get Husby to turn down the TV!

Thanks!

-- Arewyn (isitthatlate@lready.com), September 10, 1999.


Radio receivers use FAR less energy with headphones than with speakers. And you have to crank your BAYGEN less often as well...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), September 10, 1999.

Great tip! I'll get extra earphones for my scanners and the tiny TV as well. Also, if the power's out and you're listening/watching, you don't want anyone to know you have any battery-op devices going or they might want them--and your batteries!--too! After Fran hit here there were numerous cases of generators stolen, and people were advised to chain them to seomthing secure. Then the thieves started using bolt cutters! People were then advised to anchor them in cement somehow. And all in about a four to five-day period of time!

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), September 11, 1999.


The volume control is a variable resistor (potentiometer). Turn the volume up and you decrease the resistance and allow more juice to the amp. Turn the volume down and you increase resistance, allowing less juice through. Low volume equals less juice and longer battery life.

Don't buy a radio without an earphone jack.

That's my .02

-- semper paratus (listening@quietly.now), September 12, 1999.


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