Kaito KA500L Voyager Radio
The KA500L Voyager Radio is a fairly small multiband radio from Kaito. This version of the popular KA500 model, the Voyager KA500L, was first on Amazon in 2016 so it’s been around a while. The previous version, the KA500 which is still sold, arrived on the scene in2009.
The fact that these radios are still popular choices speaks to their overall quality and feature set.
KA500L Out of the Box
There were two things that drew me to this radio. First is the multiple bands the radio tunes including AM, FM Short Wave and NOAA weather channels. Second is the multiple ways you can power the radio including a large rechargeable lipo battery, solar panels, a dynamo crank, USB in, and an AC adapter. This variety really adds value if your plan is to use this as an emergency radio. When you add in a variety of colors and a weather alert function, I was sold.
If you’re serious about shortwave listening, you’ll want to have an external antenna of some type. Probably the easiest is a long wire antenna with a clip to connect to the telescoping antenna on the radio. I’ll link to one in the description below. Poor reception on short wave bands is pretty much the case with all short wave radios of this type so you’ll want an external antenna. Since you’re not transmitting, the wire can be any length, as it doesn’t have to be resonant on any single frequency for receive-only use.
Using the KA500L for SWL
The other thing you need to be aware of is if you’re planning to listen in on ham radio conversations, this radio won’t do that well. Most hams use a single side band transmission mode that this radio doesn’t include. Commercial short wave broadcast stations don’t usually use single side band so those stations will come in just fine.
If short wave listening and single side band is your primary goal, rather than preparedness, take a look at the review for the TECSUN PL600 Shortwave Radio here on the Gadget Talk site.
The short wave bands cover 90 through 41 meters in band one and 31 to 15 meters in band two. If you’re in an area targeted by one of the big shortwave broadcasters or if the bands are wide open, you’ll be able to pick up short wave signals from all over.
There are a couple of smartphone apps that list scheduled shortwave broadcasts to help you search out signals. I like the one called Skywave Schedules. Check your app store.
Closing
I’m planning to use this radio in my RV. A simple but capable radio on the picnic table or next to my camp chair while I’m out enjoying nature and the ability to scan the shortwave bands in the late evening is something I’ve been looking forward to.
While power outages aren’t much of a bother where I live, having a radio with a variety of power sources is nice to have. I’m sure many of you who live in snow country or on the coast will appreciate having a device with a variety of charging modes that can help you stay informed during inclement weather or other emergency.
So far, the Voyager KA500L has performed well and is a welcome addition to both my camping tools and emergency kit.
