Amateur radio
C. Crane Skywave SSB 2 Portable Multiband Travel Radio
Product description
A compact multiband receiver that covers AM, FM, NOAA Weather with alert, Shortwave from 1711 to 29999 kHz with Single Side Band capability, and VHF aviation (airband). The unit is digitally tuned with selectable bandwidths to improve selectivity and sensitivity; it offers fast or fine tuning on all bands except weather.
Features include direct frequency entry, auto scan/store functions and room for 400 memory presets; ten aviation-specific memories can be scanned for activity. The control set includes a clock with 12/24 hour formats, an alarm, rotary volume and tuning knobs, a backlit LCD display, a stereo headphone jack and a fold-out stand for tabletop use.
A shortwave antenna jack accepts an external antenna to significantly boost reception when desired. The package contains high-quality CC Buds earphones, a faux-leather carry case, and a 23 ft portable shortwave reel antenna. The radio runs on two AA alkaline cells (not included) and can also accept an optional 5V DC micro-USB AC adapter with the matching tip.
Battery run time is roughly 70 hours using earbuds and about 60 hours on the built-in speaker. The radio measures approximately 4.75" wide x 3" high x 1.1" deep and weighs about 6.0 oz without batteries. A one-year limited warranty is provided.
Pros
- Extensive band coverage including SSB and aviation
- Long battery life and optional DC power
- Comes with earbuds, carry case, and reel antenna
Cons
- Small controls can be awkward to operate
- SSB reception can be challenging for beginners
- Limited speaker volume for music
VerdictA highly portable multiband radio that brings Single Side Band and airband reception into a palm-sized package. Excellent sensitivity and many tuning options make it a solid emergency backup and travel companion, though the small control layout can be fiddly for new users.
Reader reviews
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No Name Texan 3/5
Initial testing and ongoing observations
Airband has been productive and yields many contacts, some from a distance. SSB has been sparse so far despite following setup guides. Shortwave activity today skews toward a few religious broadcasters; international and ham activity seem light. I’m keeping my rating steady—this unit seems capable but feels a bit overpriced compared with similar radios. I also ran into an early scanner quirk during use.
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Doctor F 5/5
Small unit, big capability
This takes almost no space and works well for WX and AIR bands. AM reception for local stations has been fine even on AC power. It serves well as a bedside unit and the included reel antenna and earbuds make it a complete portable kit.
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Hohberg Peter 5/5
Very good receiver
Outstanding compact SSB-capable receiver — one of the best small SSB radios I've used in years.
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Stephen Matthews 1/5
Arrived late and defective
Shipment took weeks to arrive. I followed the instructions, installed fresh AA cells from multiple brands, but the unit would not power up. Very disappointing given the long wait; returned it as I needed a working radio for an upcoming trip.
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Sam Way 4/5
Surprisingly capable for its size
A lot of radio functions packed into a small chassis. Build quality is solid, but small buttons with multi-function roles make the learning curve steeper than expected.
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George Brown 5/5
Exceeded expectations
Performance was better than I anticipated for such a small unit.
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Mr. Black 5/5
Feature-rich and picks up many signals
Out of the box I could hear NOAA weather, nearby aircraft comms, FM and local AM stations and some shortwave. With the supplied reel antenna and a bit of tuning I expect to pull in even more distant signals.
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sean deschene 5/5
Reliable battery life
Solid product and batteries last a long time under normal listening conditions.
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victoria j. 5/5
Compact and handy
Very small and nicely made. The radio favors talk and monitoring over high-fidelity music, which is expected given the tiny speaker.
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aleks 5/5
Excellent little radio — very happy
Impressed with the sound for its size and overall performance. Lightweight and ideal for camping or backpacking; straightforward to operate once you get used to the controls.
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James Fields 5/5
Wide band coverage in a true travel radio
This tiny receiver handles longwave, AM, shortwave (including SSB), FM, VHF airband and NOAA weather. It runs on two AAs (and can charge NiMH). The ergonomics are tight for such a small body, but overall tuning and reception are impressive compared with other portables.
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