C. Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 Small AM, FM, Shortwave, and NOAA Weather Portable Travel Radio with AC Charging Adapter

I review a lot of radios here and C. Crane examples are always somewhat of a "benchmark" for me, if you will. I was excited to get the CC Skywave SSB 2, their latest release in the small/pocket radio category.To start out, I own a CC Skywave so I was excited to compare it against that. To keep it somewhat short, there are some upgrades that I like but I'm not sure it's enough to purchase the new model if you are already enjoying your original CC Skywave (SSB). The sound is slightly better, but being that it's such a small speaker to begin with that alone is certainly not enough to warrant the purchase. But that, combined with the other upgrades, may have you considering it.The main competitors for this radio are the Chinese versions that do roughly do the same thing (give or take, depending) but normally come in a bit cheaper. However, you do not get nearly as good of a manual or the support that you'll receive from C. Crane (that's located in the USA). I've never had a problem with a C. Crane device but when I did enquire about something I received a prompt reply that answered my question honestly.I tried all of the functions of this radio and they all worked well. I don't really use shortwave otherwise, but it's good to have "just in case". Airband worked well, weather channel in my area was clear and FM and AM reception was outstanding.As for my wishlist, I really wish they'd do a two speaker stereo version of this radio. That would certainly help with the sound and give a more enjoyable near-field listening experience. I know it'd make it larger, but that might also allow more unique buttons or buttons that don't have multiple functions. No one is really doing a two speaker version so it'd certainly stand out in what's quickly becoming a competitive market due to the Chinese inclusions.Also, there's a lot of features of this radio and you will likely need to read the entire manual to familiarize yourself with how the radio works. The manual is easy to read and in good English (cannot say the same for some brands) so reading it is easy and straightforward.I am glad it'll run on AA"s and I'm glad it'll also run on wall power (although this should have been USB-C and not micro). You can also use your own rechargeable AA"s and this radio will charge those for you as well.Overall this is a great addition to the C. Crane lineup and I highly recommend it. It's my new benchmark and "vacation radio" and I'll likely pass my original CC Skywave on to my kids. I will say that I'm glad that companies like C. Crane still exist as the major Japanese manufacturers have all but abandoned multi-function small radios.

Having grown up with a tube shortwave receiver (a Drake R4!), it’s quite a change to see what’s now available. Scarcely larger than a couple packs of playing cards, this CCrane radio packs a boatload of features into a small, portable package.I no longer have the equipment to measure any of the important specs, however, based on how it operates, it’s pretty decent. If you’re listening to shortwave frequencies, the external antenna really improves performance.Bottom line…this is a good portable radio in a small package. I’m enjoying listening to it. ;-)

The C. Crane Skywave SSB-2 can be used right out of the box, but to learn the various options I watched youtube videos. A video titled “C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 Shortwave Radio Evening MW“ on the todderbert channel is a good demo. The video “CCRANE Skywave SSB Review- A Travelers Dream Radio” by the Ham Radio Crash Course channel covers many of the radio’s features in just 15 minutes; it uses the previous version of this radio (the SSB), but all the same information applies.Love the “tactile click” of the tuning knob. The up/down buttons can also be used for tuning; long-press to autoscan the bands.The radio takes 2 AA batteries, not included. The version I ordered includes an ungrounded plug-in to micro-USB charging adapter, so that NiMH batteries can be charged while still in the unit. I’m using IKEA Ladda batteries. The manual says not to use lithium rechargeables, and of course do not charge alkaline batteries in the radio.Love the included 23-foot-long “Shortwave Reel Antenna”. One end clips onto the radio’s telescoping antenna and the “reel” end clips to anything handy– a curtain, a door hinge, etc. If nothing with a small enough diameter is available at the right distance, I can attach the clip to itself (i.e. move a lamp to the right place, loop the reel’s short cord around the lamp’s pole, then attach the clip to the cord). I use the cap of a pen when winding up the antenna, which saves my fingers.The speaker is crisp and clear, with the normal limitations of small speakers.The included earbuds have a good sound, are easy to listen to, and are comfortable to wear. They don’t appear to be volume-limited and can get very loud, so as a precaution I turn the volume down while tuning.The leatherette velcro case is useful when I want to bring the radio when traveling. It’s not padded, it protects the buttons and face, and holds just the radio. The reel antenna is carried separately.Has a nice sturdy storage box with a lid. It’s 6.25” wide x 4.25” deep x 2.75” tall.Two thumbs up.