IDA 2024 NOW OPEN -- Early Bird Deadline May 30, 2024
Share on Social Media
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners
FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios,  | International Design Awards Winners

FR500 and FR1000 Field Radios

Lead Designers
Prize(s)Bronze in Sustainable Living/environmental Preservation / Residential Sustainable Design
Entry Description

The FR series are two consumer field radios for use outdoors and in the home. They are particularly suited for emergency use where access to information, communication, and product reliability are critical.

The FR?s feature NOAA weather channels, AM/FM, and world-wide multiband channels to stay informed. They also include a two-way walkie talkie, and a cell phone charger so one can stay in touch even when the power is out. FR?s also have a flashlight, siren, and an SOS light beacon.

Each are powered by hand-crank dynamos and solar panels so these units always work.

GREEN POWER (Dynamo + Solar):
The FR Series incorporates green energy technologies. Each design features a fold-out hand crank dynamo to supply electricity to the unit and to charge a cell phone (one minute of cranking generates 30 minutes of product power). The crank handles are designed for the most efficient and comfortable cranking possible. The FR500 also has a solar panel which supplies electricity to the radio or a cell phone. With dynamo and solar, users are never left without power, which is reassuring especially in an emergency. Dynamo and solar are good for users and the environment - users get piece of mind and even a little exercise, and batteries aren?t consumed and thrown away.

RUGGED FORM AND FUNCTION
The FR Series breaks new ground when it comes to aesthetics. It looks bold, rugged, and unique ? the perfect expression for a durable, green emergency product. It also looks completely fresh in a product category that is old. The crank and solar panel have been emphasized to communicate these clean power features and to make them intuitive. These products have a rubberized ?roll cage? housing to protect the main controls. The holes provide finger access to controls, make a dramatic visual statement, and are a means to lighten up the product. Roll cage colors come in black, white, and orange.

INTUITIVE TO USE DURING AN EMERGENCY
Large shape-differentiated controls, knobs, and graphics are super intuitive, which is helpful especially during an emergency when you cannot think, and you just want information now. Each product has a beefy handle for grab and go action.

FUN TO USE
Whether you are talking to a buddy over the walkie talkie, cranking it up for power, or adjusting the big knobs, the FR?s are fun to use.

IMPACT TO ETON?S BRAND AND BOTTOM LINE
The FR has had a dramatic impact on Eton?s brand, image, and bottom line. Eton has over 100,000 orders that they are currently fullfilling. Esmail Hozour, CEO, said: ?Based on the design strategy we have set, Eton will profit for many years with these new iconic units?.

?If I were to die stranded in the wilderness, I might be slightly less upset clutching one of these beautiful machines?, Brian Lam, Gizmodo.

?Here is an amazing gadget to pamper the environmentalist, with useful functions in a single gadget, none of which needs a power supply for operation!?, Ecofriend.org

?The FR1000 is a wonder of compact chic utility?, Red Ferret Journal.

?Eton's svelte-but-sturdy FR1000 is a tough-as-hell self-powered communicator that'd make the sissiest city-slicker happy to find himself hopelessly lost in Jellystone Park", Maxim.

?Perfect gift for any survivalist, hiker, camper, environmentalist, or anyone who lives off the grid. This would also be a great gadget to stick in your home survival kit? - Coolgreengadgets.com

?Eton brought a bunch of new products to the CES floor and wowed us with one in particular ? the FR1000? - Greenthinkers